Grilling, Baking, and Health
Kim Lohbeck
Article Summary
Article Review
This is a well-organized and well-written article. Food & Nutrition is a magazine that is published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The articles published are based on the readers' interests and editor's judgement. The magazine is not influenced by industry sponsors, donors, or advertisers. The author, Jill Weisenberger, is very knowledgeable about this topic. She is a RDN with a masters in science who is a nutrition communications consultant as well as the author of Diabetes Weight Loss. This gives her credibility in the field of nutrition and nutrition linked to chronic disease. Weisenberger wrote this article in a very informative yet simple manner that allows readers without a scientific background to be able to comprehend the message of the article. She explains the reactions of the body and food clearly. She even lists foods that are high or low in AGEs. One thing I found very helpful in this article is the suggestion of alternative cooking methods and dietary choices that will help reduce excess AGEs from accumulating in the body. She also gives a link to another article which discusses other methods of reducing AGEs in the foods you eat for readers who want to take an active approach to living a healthier life. At the end of the article Weisenberger breaks down the effects of elevated AGEs on the development or progression of common chronic diseases that plague the nation. She makes references to research studies to support her reasons and explanations. However, she does not give the names of the studies for readers who may want to do more research on the effects of AGEs on the body themselves. I really like how the article does not criticize people’s food choices but rather gently offers alternatives that will help promote a healthier and longer life. Moderation is key. Reducing foods with high levels of AGEs and limiting the amount of grilling and baking of foods will help reduce excess AGEs in the body to be absorbed. These foods and cooking methods do not have to be eradicated from one’s lifestyle but rather limited exposure will benefit you.
References
Weisenberger, J. (2015, October 10). Are Grilling and Baking Harmful Ways to Cook. Food & Nutrition. Retrieved April 7, 2016, from http://www.foodandnutrition.org/November-December-2015/Are-Grilling-and-Baking-Harmful-Ways-to-Cook/