LETTER

What you eat can kill you

 

Here is a real eye-opener.  A recent study suggests that overeating or undereating only 10 foods contributes to nearly half of all deaths from heart disease, strokes and diabetes.

"Good" foods that were undereaten include: nuts and seeds, seafood rich in omega-3 fats, including salmon and sardines, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.

"Bad" foods or nutrients that were overeaten include salt and salty foods, processed meats, including bacon, bologna and hot dogs, red meat, including steaks and hamburgers, and sugary drinks.

The research is based on US government data about deaths from heart disease, strokes and diabetes and on an analysis of national health surveys that asked participants about their eating habits. Most of these “victims” didn't eat the recommended amounts of the foods studied.

The 10 ingredients combined contributed to about 45 per cent of those deaths, according to the study. Renata Micha, of Tufts University, led this study.

Ronald Gervais
Aylmer / Gatineau