the impact of underconsumption of fruit and vegetables on australias health status Flashcards
fruit and vegetables are nutrient dense
meaning they contain large amounts of benefitial vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and lots of FIBRE!
underconsumption of fruit and vegetables leads to:
- cardiovascular disease
- overweight/obesity and associated impacts
- various cancers
- neural tube defects
underconsumption of fruit and vegetables - overweight/obesity
- fibre contained in fruit and vegetables provides a feeling of fullness
- underconsumption means an individual may overeat energy-dense foods, leading to potential weight gain
antioxidants
compounds in foods that neutralise free radicals
energy dense foods
foods that contain significant amounts of fat, carbohydrates and/or protein, therefore contributing large amounts of energy to the diet
underconsumption of fruit and vegetables - cardiovascular disease
- source of antioxidants which can reduce the impact of free radicals by removing them from the body
- underconsumption means there are low amounts of antioxidants in their diet
- the fibre in fruit and vegetables assist in excreting LDL cholesterol, reducing the impact of atherosclerosis
free radicals
molecules formed when oxygen is metabolised. Free radicals can damage healthy body cells and increase the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer
underconsumption of fruit and vegetables - cancer
- same as fibre, cleans the digestive system which reduces the risk of abnormal cells forming and dividing
- antioxidants target free radicals and remove them from the body
underconsumption of fruit and vegetables - neural tube defects
- folate is found in fruit and vegetables and is important during the prenatal stage in supporting the brain and spinal cord development
- underconsumption DURING PREGNANCY increases the risk of neural tube defects eg spina bifida
