One of the many ongoing epidemics in the Unites States is unhealthy eating and obesity amongst its citizens. The importance of maintaining the optimum diet in order to live a healthier life or minimize the risk of contracting a certain disease are among the many reasons nutrition should be an essential part of everyone’s lives. According to Dr. Andrew Weil of the University of Arizona’s Program in Integrative Medicine (PIM), “There have been numerous findings about the positive and negative health effects of particular nutrients and styles of eating but little of the information is being taught to the masses (Weil 2005).” Many of know that decreased intakes of processed foods and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is “healthy”
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One of those effects and perhaps one of the most influential is the potential to combat chronic diseases. Examples of chronic diseases are cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, and dental diseases. “In 2001, chronic diseases accounted for approximately sixty percent of worldwide deaths. Almost half of these deaths are attributed to cardiovascular diseases (Diet and Nutrition Prevention of Chronic Diseases, 2015).” Additionally, obesity and diabetes already affect a significant percentage of the world’s population. Factors that can increase the risk of developing these chronic diseases are poor nutritional practices such as consuming a high-fat diet, tobacco, and alcohol. There are genetic and economic factors that can play a role as well. Fortunately for the vast amounts of people affected by chronic disease; there are measures that can be taken to help reduce the risk of contraction. “Changes to one’s diet maybe helpful in reducing their risk of chronic diseases include eating a diet that is low in fat and sugars and rich in fruits, vegetables and wholegrain foods (Diet and Nutrition Prevention of Chronic Diseases, …show more content…
Basically, nutrition’s effect on someone’s ability to fight depression. Examples of poor nutritional practices that may cause depression are overindulgence of “highly-processed foods, high in saturated and trans fats but low in micronutrients, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol (Harbottle 2011).” Caffeine often acts as an energy booster however can actually have a very negative effect on mental health. “High doses of caffeine may lead to increased blood pressure, anxiety, depressive symptoms and sleep problems in healthy individuals (Harbottle 2011).” Alcohol is one of the most common forms of poor nutritional practice that affect mental health. Typically seen in alcoholics are cases of “low mood, irritability and/or aggressive behavior as well as more serious and long-term psychoses (Harbottle 2011).” Despite the many negative effects nutrition can have on mental health, if society committed to healthier food and drink choices we could notice a major impact on the overall well-being and attitudes of citizens around the world.
One of those effects and perhaps one of the most influential is the potential to combat chronic diseases. Examples of chronic diseases are cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, and dental diseases. “In 2001, chronic diseases accounted for approximately sixty percent of worldwide deaths. Almost half of these deaths are attributed to cardiovascular diseases (Diet and Nutrition Prevention of Chronic Diseases, 2015).” Additionally, obesity and diabetes already affect a significant percentage of the world’s population. Factors that can increase the risk of developing these chronic diseases are poor nutritional practices such as consuming a high-fat diet, tobacco, and alcohol. There are genetic and economic factors that can play a role as well. Fortunately for the vast amounts of people affected by chronic disease; there are measures that can be taken to help reduce the risk of contraction. “Changes to one’s diet maybe helpful in reducing their risk of chronic diseases include eating a diet that is low in fat and sugars and rich in fruits, vegetables and wholegrain foods (Diet and Nutrition Prevention of Chronic Diseases, …show more content…
Basically, nutrition’s effect on someone’s ability to fight depression. Examples of poor nutritional practices that may cause depression are overindulgence of “highly-processed foods, high in saturated and trans fats but low in micronutrients, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol (Harbottle 2011).” Caffeine often acts as an energy booster however can actually have a very negative effect on mental health. “High doses of caffeine may lead to increased blood pressure, anxiety, depressive symptoms and sleep problems in healthy individuals (Harbottle 2011).” Alcohol is one of the most common forms of poor nutritional practice that affect mental health. Typically seen in alcoholics are cases of “low mood, irritability and/or aggressive behavior as well as more serious and long-term psychoses (Harbottle 2011).” Despite the many negative effects nutrition can have on mental health, if society committed to healthier food and drink choices we could notice a major impact on the overall well-being and attitudes of citizens around the world.