With every person, there is a different diet. A balanced diet varies depending on the individual’s needs. Our bodies need about 40 different nutrients to maintain health. These nutrients can be taken in through macronutrients: carbohydrates, fats and protein which are needed in large amounts as well as micronutrients: vitamins, minerals, and trace elements needed in small amounts. Diets vary hugely depending on habits, beliefs and trends and dietary requirements can be consumed in different ways.
Current zinc levels in canned foods are considered safe and do not exceed the recommended daily intake.
Recent media headlines claim that low-fat diets could increase your risk of early death by almost one quarter. However, the coverage is based on a study that mainly looked at people in lower- and middle- income countries outside Europe, so it may not be relevant for the general European population.
Recent media headlines claim that three servings of fruit and veg is enough to live longer. Should we forget about current recommendations for five portions a day?
A Stanford University study found that people were more likely to choose vegetable dishes when they carried indulgent names. ‘Twisted citrus-glazed carrots’ anyone?
Why do people criticise foods produced for weight management but nonetheless consume them when on a diet to lose weight?
A diet based on a variety of nutritious foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, remains the best way to ensure a balanced nutrient intake for optimal health.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have found that skipping breakfast leads to increased food intake later in the day. Their study also shows how eating breakfast can affect metabolic and hormonal responses to subsequent meals.
This association between SES and healthiness of diet is not fully understood yet but investigating the motives underlying food choice might provide more insight.
Eating a balanced traditional Nordic diet was associated with lower death rates in a Danish cohort study, published by researchers from the Danish Cancer Society, Aarhus University and Aalborg Hospital, Denmark.
A majority of European citizens associate a healthy diet with fruit and vegetable consumption, and many of them believe that their diet is healthy. But is this true? Do people in Europe actually get the amounts of fruit and vegetables recommended for good health?
Many people choose to exclude meat and other animal products from their diet for a variety of reasons and to varying extents. Careful planning is needed to ensure adequate nutrient intakes.
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