Impact of Western Diet: Health Consequences, Potential Hazards, and Complications
The Standard American Diet (SAD), a common eating pattern in the United States, has been linked to significant health risks and nutrient deficiencies. This diet, which relies heavily on ultra-processed, calorie-dense, and nutrient-poor foods, is a leading contributor to various chronic diseases and premature deaths.
Health Risks Linked to SAD
The SAD is associated with an increased risk of obesity, with over 70% of Americans being overweight or obese. The diet's high intake of saturated fats, trans fats, added sugars, and sodium increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Furthermore, the SAD raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. According to research, high consumption of ultra-processed foods can significantly contribute to obesity and weight gain. In addition, a Western diet high in fructose and fat may damage insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
The SAD is also linked to a higher mortality risk. Consuming large quantities of ultra-processed foods raises the risk of early death by 4%, and specifically an 8% increased risk of neurodegenerative disease-related death.
Deficiencies Associated with SAD
The SAD is marked by deficiencies in key nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium, potassium, and fiber. These deficiencies occur partly because food processing strips essential vitamins and minerals from foods. The diet largely lacks whole, unprocessed foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins), causing these deficiencies.
Key Characteristics of SAD
The SAD promotes excess intake of harmful macronutrients and a deficient intake of vital micronutrients. The diet is characterised by excess calories primarily from saturated and trans fats, refined sugars, and salt. Over 50% of daily calories come from ultra-processed foods, which often replace more nutritious options.
Ultra-processed foods are usually high in harmful components (HFSS: high fat, sugars, and sodium) and low in fiber and micronutrients.
Summary
In conclusion, the SAD promotes excess intake of harmful macronutrients and a deficient intake of vital micronutrients, elevating risks for obesity, CVD and metabolic diseases, certain cancers, and premature death, while causing notable vitamin and mineral deficiencies common in the American population. To combat these issues, experts need to formulate strategies to improve dietary options across communities, focusing on increasing whole food consumption and reducing ultra-processed food intake.
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/sodium-intake/index.htm [2] https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/calcium-intake/index.html [3] https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/fiber-intake/index.html [4] https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/vitamins-minerals/index.html [5] https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html
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