Industrial processing

Our body is programmed for digestion and metabolism of mainly natural food. The necessary breakdown of food into its individual components -- proteins, fats and carbohydrates -- causes a slow release of nutrients into the blood. Therefore the release of metabolic hormones such as insulin remains moderate, the feeling of satiety lasts longer, and we do not feel hungry between the three daily recommended meals of breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Blood sugar and insulin levels in slow carbohydrates

Diagramm: Blutzucker- und Insulinspiegelverlauf bei langsamen Kohlenhydraten

Our food supply has changed fundamentally in recent decades.

The shelves in the supermarkets are full of ready-made meals and desserts, at every corner we find a fast food snack, and at gas stations we can be seduced by chocolate bars and friends around the clock.

All these products have a high energy density; that is, a high number of calories in relation to weight, and they produce high blood sugar levels, which in turn lead to high insulin levels. High insulin levels in the blood quickly lower the blood sugar level below the initial value and produce cravings for sweets!

Result: We eat more, and more often than necessary, and we gain weight!

Blood sugar and insulin levels in fast carbohydrates

Diagramm: Blutzucker- und Insulinspiegelverlauf bei schnellen Kohlenhydraten