Question:
How much of the diabetes epidemic is directly associated with diet?
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We hear so much about the current crisis of obesity and diabetes in adults. I was curious how much of the current crop of diabetetes could be directly linked to the food that we eat.
We’ve just had a massive vaccination program because a relatively small number of people have died from H1N1. Yet thousands upon thousands of adults are diagnosed as diabetic every year, yet nothing is done to make the food suppliers and manufacturers of fast foods and processed foods clean up their acts.
Is it about time that fast and processed foods came with a health warning?
Asked by:
Andy Hawkins
| December 6, 2009
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Food & Nutrition
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It’s a bit simplistic to say, “Fast and processed foods need to come with a health warning!”
Human beings (and all living creatures) have evolved a myriad of redundant systems to encourage eating, and high calorie foods have survival value from the evolutionary perspective. Our basic biology, then encourages us to eat, and the foods we consider tasty are, indeed, those which lead to weight gain. Of course, in evolution, energy expenditure through physical activity balances caloric intake.
What is missing in our current environment is the balance between consuming foods (whether we use the appelation of “fast food” or refer to the most delicious products of great chefs!) and common-sense adherence to appropriate levels of dietary intake and physical activity. This, one must realize is the responsibility of the individual, and should be taught and made available by the society in which we live. Such an approach should indeed include appropriate education as to food content, but there is so much more required.