Consequences of American Diets

The American diet has been, for many generations, a diet high in saturated fats, low in fiber, and one that typically favors convenience over nutrition. Many prepackaged foods contain both saturated fats and trans-fats, which contribute to numerous health issues.

High Blood Pressure

• Concealed sodium is found in many foods in the American diet (fast foods, canned soups and processed cheeses, for example). Too much sodium can lead to hypertension/high blood pressure. A study published in the British Medical Journal concluded that a reduction in sodium intake from processed foods can lower blood pressure.

Diabetes

• Harvard School of Public Health states that a high glycemic load (found in white bread, refined cereals, sugary foods and baked goods, for example) combined with a low-fiber diet increases the risk of developing diabetes.

High Cholesterol

• A person can develop both high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels from a diet high in saturated fats, alcohol and trans-fats. A study documented in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that heart-related health problems are reduced when triglyceride and cholesterol levels are lowered.

Weight Issues

• Consuming a diet high in sugar and calories is responsible for numerous health problems associated with obesity in children and adults. The Journal of the American Dietetic Association suggests that a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet can reduce weight problems.

Cardiovascular Disease

• Foods high in saturated fats (such as pork, beef and dairy products) and trans-fats (found in many frozen and fast foods) increase the risk of the eater developing cardiovascular disease. Harvard School of Public Healths says avoiding a diet of trans-fats and saturated fats can help prevent CVD in Americans.

Warning

• The information here is not meant as advice or meant to replace the advice of a nutritional consultant or health care professional. It's for informational purposes only.