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High-fat meal takes a bite out of health

After nipping Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup in 2014, Luis Suarez, aka the biting soccer player, was given a last chance to behave decently when Team Barcelona picked him up after his ban from the sport (it was Luis’ third offense).

We certainly hope it’s not as tough for you to learn that a bad bite can threaten your well-being!

A new study published in Nature shows that downing one high-fat milkshake made with whole milk, heavy whipping cream and ice cream can cause remodeling of red blood cells so that the 25 trillion of them in your body become small, spiky barbs and you have increased levels of an enzyme that damages blood vessels and increases inflammation. Plus, white blood cells that scavenge damaged red blood cells become bloated, and your plasma becomes thick, off-color and filled with lipids.

Quickly, that may destabilize plaque and cause a heart attack or stroke. From just one serving!

Eating high-fat meals day after day, as many folks do, changes the temporary assault on your arteries to a chronic attack, risking cardiovascular problems like heart attack and stroke, impotence and wrinkles.

Seems Barcelona may be your best and last chance to get it right, too.

The Mediterranean diet, with small portions of fish, minimal meats and a focus on fruits and veggies, whole grains and heart-loving odd omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids in olive oil and nuts keeps red blood cells healthy. Then you’ll enjoy a long, healthy life — along with smoother skin and a better love life!


Mehmet Oz, M.D., is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D., is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Email questions to youdocsdaily@sharecare.com.


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