Effects of diet on health (e.g., obesity, diabetes, heart disease) Flashcards
What is obesity?
A condition where excessive body fat increases the risk of health problems, often caused by consuming more calories than the body burns.
What are the main causes of obesity?
Poor diet (high in fats and sugars), lack of exercise, genetics, and lifestyle factors.
What health problems can obesity lead to?
Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, joint pain, and some cancers.
How can diet help prevent obesity?
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing processed foods and sugary drinks.
What is Type 2 diabetes?
A condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough, leading to high blood sugar levels.
How does diet affect Type 2 diabetes?
Eating too much sugar and refined carbs can increase the risk, while a high-fiber, low-GI diet can help manage blood sugar levels.
What foods should people with diabetes avoid?
Sugary snacks, white bread, sugary drinks, and processed foods high in simple carbohydrates.
What foods help control blood sugar levels?
Whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and high-fiber fruits and vegetables.
What is heart disease?
A group of conditions affecting the heart, often caused by high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or blocked arteries.
How does diet contribute to heart disease?
Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and sugar can increase the risk of high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
What are heart-healthy foods?
Oily fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, leafy greens, and healthy fats like olive oil.
What foods should be avoided for heart health?
Fried foods, processed meats, sugary drinks, and foods high in trans fats.
What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?
A condition where blood pressure is consistently too high, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
How can diet help lower blood pressure?
Eating less salt, increasing potassium-rich foods, and consuming whole grains and lean proteins.
What is high cholesterol?
A condition where fatty deposits build up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
What foods help lower cholesterol?
Oats, nuts, fatty fish, legumes, and fruits high in soluble fiber.
What is osteoporosis?
A condition where bones become weak and brittle, often due to a lack of calcium and vitamin D.
How can diet help prevent osteoporosis?
Consuming calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified products, along with vitamin D sources like oily fish and sunlight.
What is anemia?
A condition where the body lacks enough red blood cells, often due to iron deficiency.
What foods help prevent anemia?
Iron-rich foods like red meat, spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals.
What is stroke?
A condition where blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts, often caused by high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
How can diet reduce the risk of stroke?
Eating a balanced diet low in salt, unhealthy fats, and sugar while including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
What is metabolic syndrome?
A cluster of conditions including obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
How can diet help prevent metabolic syndrome?
Reducing sugar, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats while increasing fiber, healthy fats, and protein intake.
