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Study reveals poor diet kills more people than tobacco

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Fri, 5 Apr 2019, 8:50AM
A Global Burden of Disease Study has found too much salt and not enough fruit, veggies and whole grains led to the deaths of around 11 million people globally in 2017. Photo / Getty Images.

Study reveals poor diet kills more people than tobacco

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Fri, 5 Apr 2019, 8:50AM

A bad diet is worse for your health than smoking.

A Global Burden of Disease Study has found too much salt and not enough fruit, veggies and whole grains led to the deaths of around 11 million people globally in 2017.

That's compared to seven million people who die because of the effects of smoking.

Otago University's Dr Andrew Reynolds told Mike Hosking in light of this research we should all pay closer attention to what we're eating.

"What are the saltiest foods that we are eating? In the supermarket we can do comparisons, we can also try to be more aware of what the grains we are eating with our diet are, as well as just pieces of whole fruit, more vegetables and if possible incorporating some nuts and seeds into our diet."

He said it shows that a common sense approach to diet - as opposed to fads - is best for our health.

"Big scientific studies, with lots of thought and consideration put into them, are consistently coming out with sensible, straightforward messages about the diet and none of these fads or buying powders."

 

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