Food trends that lead to poor health
In the United States we see high occurrences of degenerative diseases such as Cancer. Almost everyone either knows someone personally or knows of someone who suffers from a degenerative disease or poor health. While poor health is due to more than just diet and nutrition, what you put into your body does play a significant role in how your body functions. The increase in poor health, and thus health costs is something many people are concerned about, but are not sure what to do. By looking at the food and consumption trends in the United States, we can see how changes in diet have lead to changes in health. By making this correlation we can also better see how improving our diets can help us get on the path to healthier life.
It is an undeniable fact that as a whole, our population has higher rates of obesity and over-weight people than they once did. So how have food trends changed, or in other words, what is contributing to this change in weight?
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- Animal based foods (meat, dairy, etc): the average consumption has more than doubled from less than 20% caloric intake to 42%.
- Fat: again the average consumption has more than doubled.
- Sugar: again has more than doubled.
- Cheese: while related to animal based foods, the fact is that the consumption of cheese is seven times greater than it was in recent years.
- Soda Pop: again it is seven times greater.
- Salad Oil: the average consumption is more than thirteen times greater.
- Fresh garden produce: the average consumption has reduced more than thirteen times.
- Grain: consumption reduced by 100 pounds per person per year, and shifted from whole grains to mostly refined and processed grain products.
As you can see, as a while, the American population has gone away from fresh foods, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and has started to consume higher rates of refined and processed foods, as well as sugars, fats, and animal based products. You have probably seen a greater push for people to choose healthier food options. Many fast food places now offer side options besides French fries, or offer greater variety of salads, or offer low fat food options. However, the food trends that lead to poor health are still not overcome, and the differences in eating noted above have not changed significantly enough yet to make a big difference in health.
Americans have the highest rates of disease in the world, and this is related to what they eat. Asians, on the other hand have the lowest rates of degenerative disease in the world, and on average consume ten times more garden foods as Americans.
We can learn from the food trends found in healthier populations. If you look at the world health as a whole, the healthiest regions are those that eat better diets with more fresh foods and fewer foods that burden the body. Diet is a critical part of health. In China, one of the healthier world populations, most adults drink and smoke. However, they still suffer a mere percentage of the amount of cancer American's suffer. Why? Because as a whole they eat far better. Their superior eating habits provide essential nutrients without creating undue burdens to the body, and thus, their bodies are better able to fight the negative effects of cigarettes and alcohol.
For increased health, it is essential that you change your food trends to include eating healthier options and avoid those full of fat, sugar, oil, etc. Our bodies function on the fuel we put in them, the better the fuel, the better the health. Science shows that fresh foods are better for us than refined and processed, and that vegetables and fruits are better than fats and sugars. While this seems like common sense, few people have made dietary changes in order to support better health.
