Steer clear of snack foods where most of the calories come from corn syrup and do more munching on fruits and veggies.

A recent review of many years of research revealed that a sharp rise in the consumption of refined carbohydrates, particularly corn syrup, was mirrored by a sharp rise in type 2 diabetes in the general population. Corn syrup is a sweetener found in many sweetened snack foods and candies.

Corn syrup is not directly to blame for the recent rise in type 2 diabetes incidence. However, more and more research is making a connection between the rise in diabetes and diets high in refined carbohydrates, such as simple sugars, processed flours, and refined grains. Choose complex carbohydrates or whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables and breads and cereals made from whole grains.

RealAge Benefit: Eating a diverse diet that is low in calories and high in nutrients can make your RealAge as much as 4 years younger.

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