The Connection Between Food and Disease

The Connection Between Food and Disease

It is well known that a certain amount of food is needed per day for energy. Energy is the dynamic force needed for biological processes ranging from growth and repair, to metabolism and reproduction. Although food is becoming more accessible and calorie consumption is at an all-time high, general wellbeing and health is declining.

  • One in four British adults are obese (24.8 per cent) [1]
  • 61 per cent are either overweight or obese [2]
  • The UK is ranked 20th in life expectancy [3]
  • 15 million people in England have chronic diseases [4]

These chronic diseases are the result of a poor diet, and the risk of developing them can be greatly reduced through lifestyle changes.

Diabetes

Both genetics and lifestyle play a role in the escalating rates of diabetes in the UK, and while you have no control over your genetics, living a healthier lifestyle greatly lowers the probability of developing type 2 diabetes.

Weight gain, a lack of exercise and the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks in excess all contribute to the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Alzheimer’s, nerve damage, coronary artery disease and stroke are just a few of the complications associated with having type 2.

Obesity

When consuming more calories than your body uses, excess energy is stored in the body as fat. Obesity is usually the result of excessive food intake and a sedentary lifestyle, and is one of the most prevalent causes of death that can be prevented. [8] Cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and sleep apnea are just some of the issues related to an excessive body weight.

Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death globally, refers to a collection of diseases related to the heart and blood vessels. The risk of developing coronary heart disease, a common form of cardiovascular disease, is highly decreased through the consumption of fruit and vegetables. [9]




Cancer

Although the number one cause of cancer is tobacco, diet and obesity are responsible for 30 to 35 per cent of cancer deaths. [10] Reducing alcohol consumption decreases the risk of mouth, throat, liver, breast and esophagus cancer. In addition to this, the consumption of fruit and vegetables will further decrease the risk of stomach, colorectal, esophagus and stomach cancer.

 

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