Originally published November 27 2005
Nutrition report claims diabetes and heart disease could be drastically reduced with lifestyle improvements
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Dr. Walter Willett, chairman of the Harvard School of Public Health's department of nutrition, presented a report called "Diet and Optimal Health: A Progress Report," which claims that 80 percent of coronary heart disease and 90 percent of type 2 diabetes could be prevented by improving diet and exercise habits.
Better lifestyle habits -- think less junk food, more fish and more exercise -- can help prevent 80 percent of coronary heart disease and 90 percent of type 2 diabetes.
That's the thrust of a report scheduled to be presented Saturday by Dr. Walter Willett, chairman of the Harvard School of Public Health's department of nutrition, at the American Society of Nephrology's annual meeting, in Philadelphia.
"In the area of diet, we are only asking for fairly modest shifts," he said.
"Change the carbohydrates from highly refined to more whole grains," he said.
That means more whole grain breads and cereals, for instance.
Willett also advises eliminating trans fats, which he calls the worst kind of fat because of their effects on blood cholesterol.
Trans fat is made when manufacturers add hydrogen to vegetable oil -- a process called hydrogenation that increases the shelf life and flavor stability of foods containing these fats.
"Have fish twice a week," Willett added, to boost intake of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
As for alcohol intake, Willett said a drink every other day is a healthy amount, but people who don't drink shouldn't start for health reasons.
Dr. Robert Rizza, president of the American Diabetes Association, said the 80 percent to 90 percent figures "may well be underestimates."
"If you exercise, stay lean, eat your fruits and vegetables, people who do this throughout life, they might reduce their risks by 90 or 95 percent," Rizza, a professor at the Mayo Clinic added.
And it's never too late to start, he said.
"Whenever you begin, you always reduce your risk," Rizza said.
"We know that a 5 to 10 percent weight loss has significant effects on blood glucose and on blood pressure and triglycerides.
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