Western diet and its global consequences. Metabolic syndrome

The Western diet is a dietary pattern characterized by high intakes of pre-packaged foods, refined grains, processed meat, high-sugar drinks, candy, fried foods, conventionally raised animal products. Consuming the Western diet leads to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It changes the metabolism and antioxidant status, induces inflammation, impacts gut microbiota. In the Western diet, the primary energy source is simple carbohydrates like sugar, which promote insuline resistance associated with metabolic syndrome (obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease). Recent clinical trials and interventions have shown that adopting dietary treatments similar to those of pre-industrial diets can have positive effects on health.