Posted on July 1, 2008 in latest news
A pregnant woman should eat right. The child’s health would depend upon her nutritious diet. Eating an unhealthy diet may raise the risk of obesity and increased cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels in the child. These findings were highlighted in the Journal of Physiology, June, 2008 issue.
Researchers from Royal Veterinary College fed a group of rat females junk food such as dough nuts, muffins, chips, sweets during their pregnancy. Another set of rats were fed regular healthy diet. Observing the offsprings of these sets of rats, it was noticed that those whose mothers ate junk food had higher levels of triglycerides and cholesterol, which are fats found in bloodstream. Both increase the risk of heart disease.
Rats born to mother’s who ate junk food also suffered from high glucose levels and insulin, which increase the risk of Diabetes Type 2. Such rats were fatter during adolescence as well as in adulthood as compared to those born of mothers who ate healthy diet.
Dr. Stephanie Bayol, co-author of the study emphasized on the importance of pregnant women taking care of their diet. She felt that they should eat carefully and sensibly.
The study may have been conducted on rats, but it is applicable to humans as well. Humans have several biological systems similar to rats. Many effects seen in rats can repeat in humans as well.
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