Poor Diet Kills More People Than Smoking

A new study found that millions of people have been dying around the world as a result of poor diets, and taking too much salt and not enough whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Poor diet kills more people than smoking. Photo: Peggy Greb/USDA/ARS

Researchers came to the conclusion by analyzing data from 195 countries from 1990 to 2017. They looked specifically at individuals aged 25 years and older.

Researchers found that poor diets leading to cardiovascular disease and cancer caused almost 11 million deaths, or one in every five deaths, worldwide in 2017.

In 2017, high levels of sodium consumption alone caused almost 3 million deaths worldwide. High levels of salt consumption can increase blood pressure, thereby heightening the risk of heart disease.

Interestingly enough, the study also finds that a diet low in whole grains was the next leading cause of diet-related deaths globally.

Overwhelmingly, the study concluded that it was a lack of fruits and whole grains — in other words, lack of a healthy and balanced diet — that can cause more health issues. Officials also noted that people ate more processed meats and did not consume enough nuts, seeds or milk.

A joint report from the United Nations and the European Union found that millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa suffer from acute food shortage each year. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) study on dietary risks finds that in southern sub-Saharan Africa, diets low in fruits were the number one reason for diet-related deaths. (Tasnim News Agency)

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