Diet and Death

A just published study has found that nearly half (45%) of all deaths from heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes are caused by diet. That means that, in the United States alone, 318,656 people could have been saved by dietary changes alone. Knowing those dietary changes could save your life. . .

The study found that eating too much salt was associated with 9.5% of deaths from heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Not eating enough nuts and seeds accounted for 8.5% of the deaths. Low seafood omega-3 fats were associated with 7.8% of the deaths (unfortunately, they didn’t measure plant sourced omega-3’s, which may be even more important). Not getting enough vegetables was responsible for 7.6% of the deaths, while insufficient fruit was the cause for 7.5%. Drinking too many sugar sweetened drinks was to blame 7.4% of the time.

People also ate too much processed and unprocessed meats.

Improvements in death from these conditions over the last several years are mostly attributed to getting more polyunsaturated essential fatty acids in the diet and eating more nuts and seeds. The greatest cause of increased death from these diseases over the last several years is increased consumption of unprocessed meats (1).

A second study has also just found similar results. This study found that dietary factors played a role in 415,500 cardiovascular deaths in the U.S. in 2015. In this study, not eating enough nuts and seeds was associated with 11.6% of the deaths, not eating enough vegetables was associated with 11.5% and not eating enough whole grains was associated with 10.4%. Too much salt caused 9% of the cardiovascular deaths.

The lead researcher concluded that “Low intake of healthy foods such as nuts, vegetables, whole grains and fruits combined with higher intake of unhealthy dietary components, such as salt and trans fat, is a major contributor to deaths from cardiovascular disease in the United States.” He added that the “results show that nearly half of cardiovascular disease deaths in the United States can be prevented by improving diet” (2).

So the bottom line? If you want to live a longer, healthier life, eat more nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and essential fatty acids; eat less processed and unprocessed meat, drink fewer sugar sweetened drinks and use less salt.

1. JAMA 2017;317(9):912-924
2. AHA’s Epidemiology and Prevention/Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health 2017 Scientific Sessions

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For more on how to enjoy a healthy diet, see Linda’s newest book, The All-New Vegetarian Passport: a comprehensive health book and cookbook all in one.

The Natural Path is intended for educational purposes only and is in no way intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For health problems, consult a qualified health practitioner for a comprehensive program.