Chronic diseases are on the rise. People especially the youth are getting more and more health conscious due to it. They are attaching a lot of importance to foods. Dietitians have claimed that certain diets decrease inflammation and help in prevention of chronic diseases. One such diet is the Zone diet.
Chronic body inflammation and diseases
Urban life and industrialization has drastically altered our food habits. Stress has enveloped us 24/7 and fresh food intake has diminished. Company-made and processed foods have taken their place. But these foods are refined with harmful food additives and hence unhealthy.
The food pyramid of the Zone diet (Source: Pinterest)These types of highly processed foods are rich in calories, sugars, saturated fats and less in fiber and nutrients. They lead to poor gut health and body inflammation. This all is the leading cause of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular ailments and type 2 diabetes, say experts.
Hence to rectify the wrongs, health experts and dietitians insist on decreasing intake of processed foods and red meats. They advocate eating whole foods, fruits and vegetables. A number of diets have come up claiming them to be good for keeping these diseases at bay. One of them is the Zone diet.
What is the Zone diet?
The Zone diet is a diet that promises to decrease the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its followers include diabetics as well as non-diabetics. American biochemist, Dr. Barry Sears designed this diet especially for people suffering from type 2 diabetes and heart diseases.
Since this diet helps maintain weight, even slimmers adopted it. The basic principle of this diet is that inflammation at the cellular level is bad for body. And modern day processed and junk food cause it. But the Zone diet can overcome the problems of faulty eating.
The Zone diet (Source: very well fit)In this diet, lean proteins should be 33% of the daily calories intake. The remaining should be of choice fruits and vegetables. Lean proteins include lean chicken, tofu, fish, and egg whites. Whole grains are to be limited in this diet. But they are not eliminated. Each meal has monounsaturated oils coming from nuts, olive oil and avocado.
Omega 3 fatty acids supplements are present in this diet. Additionally, the dieter also takes polyphenols supplements, and other phytochemicals to improve the benefits of the diet. Moderate exercise 3 to 5 times in a week is essential with this diet.
Plus points and criticism
The diet leads to sustained weight loss and this helps in keeping a person healthy, energetic and fit. It tends to regulate hormonal issues and overcome insulin resistance.
But the diet is relatively expensive. Moreover, there has been no studies on this diet in humans. There is no scientific backing for the various claims that Dr. Barry has put forth about his diet. Dr. Barry has published a book on it called The Zone. It released in 1995 with a mixed response from readers.
The Zone diet (Source: Google Play)Read more: Kate Middleton and her daily diet menu!
In this diet, water is the main fluid for consumption. Keep tea and coffee to minimum. This diet is not restrictive but only asks people to avoid unhealthy food options.