Macronutrient intake induces oxidative and inflammatory stress: potential relevance to atherosclerosis and insulin resistance

With the global increase in the epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes with a concomitant increase in atherosclerotic disease, an investigation into the effects of various macronutrients and food products has become necessary. Such investigation will allow us to better understand the relationship between the intake of various macronutrients and the pathogenesis of mechanisms underlying the regulation of insulin sensitivity and resistance, oxidative stress and inflammation, the regulation of hunger and satiety and atherogenesis. This review covers the first decade of work in this area relating the intake of usual foods and diets to their immediate and long term outcomes. The review also covers the exciting novel area of anti-inflammatory effects of certain foods. Hopefully, a comprehensive understanding of these actions of macronutrients and their long term effects will allow us to formulate food combinations which will lead to healthy eating habits and improvement in our overall health status.