212 579 9320
In a recent article on aging, Professor Cynthia Kenyon, a U.S geneticist, has discovered that too much insulin production caused by too many dietary carbs may very well be a cause of premature aging. I found the article intriguing – and a great example of carb addiction.
From the article:
Professor Cynthia Kenyon, whom many experts believe should win the Nobel Prize for her research into ageing, has discovered that the carbohydrates we eat — from bananas and potatoes to bread, pasta, biscuits and cakes — directly affect two key genes that govern youthfulness and longevity.
I am not qualified to discuss her work, but what I found really telling about carb addiction was towards the end of the article:
There is no denying the extraordinary breakthrough Kenyon’s work represents and she ‘deserves the Nobel Prize for her findings about ageing’, says David Gems, deputy director of the Institute for Healthy Ageing at University College, London. However he isn’t convinced we know enough for us all to start eating a low-carb diet. “The exact role of insulin in health and ageing is a promising and fascinating area,” he says. “But I’m not sure the evidence for the benefit of cutting carbohydrates and keeping insulin levels down is strong enough yet.”
Say what? Let me see if I got this right – Mr. Gems thinks Professor Kenyon deserves a Nobel prize for her discovery and work on aging, but he’s not convinced.
Said another way:
“I’ll give you my carbs when you pry them from my cold, dead hands!”
I've been involved in exercise ever since I became a member of The Charles Atlas Club when I was 10 years old. In 1998, I founded and established Serious Strength on the Upper West Side of NYC. My clients include kids, seniors (and everyone in between), top CEOs, celebrities, bestselling authors, journalists and TV personalities.
Strong Kids Healthy Kids
Euphoria Olive Oil
Gary Taubes: Why We Get Fat
Michael & MaryDan Eades M.D.: Protein Power Lifeplan
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Mr. Gems should write health articles for MSN.
Typo in title: Carb Addiciton
Thank you!
David Gems sounds a lot like any addict defending their drug of choice (smoker, drinker, heroine addict, etc.). They’ll deny all the evidence and when they contract a disease (lung cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, etc.), they’ll blame it on something else.
If Mr. Gems ever develops diabetes, he’ll say it was the saturated fat he ate, even though he probably eats a low fat diet. He’ll say it must not have been low enough in fat. It’s hard to win with a addict.
Give credit where credit’s due please: http://www.explosm.net/comics
Drew –
Sorry about that. At least I used the comic. Wasn’t trying to pretend it was mine. You could be a little nicer. Fixed.
What’s fascinating or sad, depending on how you look at it, is most people aren’t even aware that there’s such a thing as an addiction to carbs. Gem may not even be aware of why he’s reacting the way he does.
So typical. But, the tide is turning.
I just love the whole thing about cutting fat to control diabetes. The one macronutrient that doesn’t affect insulin levels in the least. Yeah, let’s cut down on that.
Still, I think a lot of minds are beginning to change. At least people now are talking about “good fats” and the fact that sugar is not such a good thing. I remember reading back in the 80s/90s in the heyday of Jane Brody and her high-carb/low-fat lifestyle that you should have jam on your toast instead of butter. “Sugar, after all, is innocuous. There’s nothing at all wrong with sugar.”
I used to believe in the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus, too.
I have a hard time believing carbs are addictive. Things like heroin, caffeine, and cigarettes are addictive. They all have brutal withdrawal effects. Compared to those, carbs aren’t even close.
Strongly habit forming, yes, but not addictive.
Fritz,
Spoken like a true carb addict!
Seriously, read Dr. Bill Davis’ book Wheat Belly. I believe you’ll come away thinking differently. Carbs, especially wheat, are highly addictive.
My problem with this is the fact that protein (especially whey protein/luceine) also increases serum insulin. Are we to eat an all-fat diet?
Wayne –
Most of your calories should come from fat, yes. You should be eating fatty grass fed proteins – about 1.5 grams per pound of lean weight.
Don’t worry about protein increasing insulin as it also increases glucagon and thus creates a very different hormonal scenario than increasing insulin by eating carbs.
Fred,
I think Volek just published some work on low carb diets with a simultanous increase in cholesterol and saturated fat with a concurrent improvement in thryoid function and weight loss and overall health.
Can’t remember the exact paper, I will see if I can find it. A presenter at a recent nutrition seminar mentioned it, along with the Metabolism Society.
Good stuff!
In health,
Brandon
Fred,
Good read. Please email me, I have some questions ( you may help me with) concerning another matter. Thanks,
Frank
What’s up Frank? Love to help if I can.
I have discovered an awesome snack food. Certified low glycemic. Complete protein source. Low overall carbohydrates. High fiber. No soy. No gluten. No corn. Bean-based. Awesome!
They are called Beanitos (as opposed to Doritos or Tostitos)
Excellent for a cheesy plate of nachos or to scoop up mounds of homeade Pico or Guacamole. Great replacement for crackers when coupled w/cheese. Filling, non-gaseous. An 840-900 calorie bag (6oz.) supplies 60g low-glycemic carbs, 30g fiber, 24g complete protein, 42g fat. Great on the go, or in a pinch.