Eat a Healthy Diet, Live Longer

Diet is a powerful thing. A body of evidence has linked a poor diet to increased risks of numerous chronic diseases, which can shorten the length and quality of one’s life. So, it’s not surprising that a recent study published in The Lancet found that a poor diet is linked to one in five deaths around the world. The Global Burden of Disease study, the most comprehensive worldwide epidemiological study to date, analyzed data from 195 countries. Researchers found that globally, heart disease increased by 19 percent in the past ten years, diabetes increased by 31 percent since 2006, and obesity levels are rising. Four risk factors were in the top ten risk factors for death: high blood glucose, high blood pressure, high BMI, and high total cholesterol–all of these risk factors are diet-related. In particular, the researchers reported the interrelationship between these risk factors points to diet and weight as the main culprit. Diets low in whole grains, fruits, nuts and seeds, and fish oils, and high in salt were the most common diet risk factors.

According to numerous health organizations, eating a healthy diet, rich in pulses, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, herbs, and spices, may help prevent an array of chronic diseases.

Read about the study here.

Image: Peanut Soba Noodles with Seitan from Plant-Powered for Life, Sharon Palmer, RDN