A Bad Diet Could be Worse than Smoking!

Royers, Round Top Texas

In a new study published by the Lancet looking at 195 different countries, they found that 11 million people die each year, at least in part due to certain foods, or lack of nutritious foods.

From the Washington Post article, "Lead author Ashkan Afshin, an epidemiologist at the University of Washington, said the researchers estimated that, overall, poor diets are responsible for more deaths around the world than any other risk factor, including cigarette smoking"

The study estimated that globally: 

• 3 million deaths were due to excessive sodium
• 3 million deaths were due to lack of adequate whole grains
• 2 million deaths were due to lack of adequate fruit

What about the "Mediterranean Diet"?   That diet is known for being high in heart-healthy fats and fiber... and scored the best with the researchers.  This diet was defined as a high intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and healthy oils - like olive oil.

>> Read the original article in the Washington Post here.