Inspiring Women SUMMER 2020

4
7
3
9
5
H E A R T D IS E A S E , S T R O K E A N D T Y P E 2 D I A B E T E S D E A T H S A T T R I B UTED
T O F O O D C O N S UMP T I O8
N
0
5
6
6
6
2 0
7
6 1 7
4 4 4
5 4
5 3 5
9
Nuts/Seeds
5 2
6
5
1
5
Seafood Omega-3s
1
3
Vegetables
1
4
Fruits
Whole Grains
Polyunsaturated Fats
5
2
Sodium
0
6
1
Processed Meat
Sugary Beverages
9
6
8 Unprocessed Red Meat
2
U N D E R C ON SU MP TI ON
O V E R C O N SU M P T ION
(Chart based on infographic at https://nutrition.tufts.edu/sites/default/files/documents/FIM%20Infographic-Web.pdf)
Could changing our diet really make that much of a difference? We’ve seen taxes levied on
sugar-sweetened beverages, with some modest decrease in consumption. Unfortunately, they
are just a fraction of the problem. Maybe we need to also concentrate more on what we
should eat, rather than what we shouldn’t be eating. Just as weight loss programs that restrict
certain foods never seem to work out in the end, could implementing a diet full of foods that
are good for us on a more consistent basis be better than simply removing certain items that we
shouldn’t be eating? In addition, could this diet really stave off NCDs and lower health care
costs? We know health care is expensive – and the US spends more per person on health than
comparable countries. If “prescribing” fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish could lower insurance
premiums and keep people healthy, shouldn’t we give it a try?
Likewise, how does better nutrition help in the time of COVID-19? Most of us are well aware that
those with underlying medical conditions are at greater risk of complications from the virus –
and these conditions are often a result of poor nutrition, as discussed above. Likewise, the
malnourished are generally at a greater risk of catching, and then not being able to
successfully fighting the virus. What about the rest of us? Could better nutrition improve our
chances? Research has shown that higher intakes of certain nutrients seem to boost the
immune system – and a stronger immune system can help to fight off the virus, or keep it at bay.
These may include micronutrients such as zinc, selenium, iron, and vitamins A, C, D, E, B-6, and
folate: as well as whole foods like goji berry, broccoli, green tea, and turmeric. While the exact
effects of these and other nutrients on COVID-19 have yet to be determined, they have shown
promise in fighting the common cold, flu, and other respiratory infections. Why not add healthy
foods such as citrus, berries, broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, red bell peppers, sweet potatoes,
beans, shellfish, almonds, hazelnuts, peanut butter, turmeric and tea to your “WFH” diet?
(Additional source - https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/27/opinions/healthy-diet-immune-system-covid-19-mozaffarian-glickman-nikbinmeydani/index.html)
But now, let’s reconsider that apple. Researchers at Tufts University compared people who took
vitamin supplements with others who consumed the same nutrients via food. They tracked
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