Poor Diet Linked to Premature Death from Heart Disease and Diabetes

A study published this week in JAMA linked eating too much meat and too few vegetables to early death from disease. Researchers observed consumption of 10 foods linked to cardiometabolic diseases (e.g., heart disease, stroke, diabetes) and tracked mortality rates from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Results showed that almost half of all deaths from cardiometabolic diseases are associated with low intakes of fruits and vegetables and high intakes of sodium, sugary beverages, and processed meats. The authors stress these findings should inform revised policies to lead to more effective disease treatment and prevention through improved clinician education, lifestyle counseling, and improved access to healthful foods.