Poor diet just as bad as smoking

June 7, 2006 in Nutrition Topics in the News

Poor diet just as bad as smoking

Dutch researchers report that insufficient consumption of fish, fruit and vegetables is as bad for human health as smoking.

The latest study based on residents of the Netherlands concludes that most cases of serious illness and death in the Netherlands are caused by poor diet. Currently, nearly 75 percent of the residents in the Netherlands eat fruit and vegetable below the recommended level.

Researchers speculate that an unhealthy diet currently reduces the average life expectancy by 1.2 years, while obesity claims 0.8 years.

Poor diet causes deaths due to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer, while obesity causes deaths due to heart disease and cancer.

As a result, researchers recommend that that governments and agencies around the world start to encourage healthy diets to improve public health.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.