Does Diet Quality Ensure Low Death Risk?

Updated on February 5, 2020

Surveys and studies in the United States of America have shown that maximum adults there who do not have a proper diet have high death risks. The fact is that, any individual who follows a healthy low fat, low carbohydrate diet has lower death risk, overall. Improving the overall diet quality has proven to reduce risks of ill health and premature deaths. Individuals who have taken care of and improved their diet by including more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and fish have less chances of premature deaths. Also, cutting down on the consumption of processed and red meat, excess salt and sugary food leads to better health. For more information, go to this website.

It is through a study that has shown how one can improve their physical health by improving their quality of diet. When this becomes a part of the daily routine of a person, all kinds of ailments – cardiovascular, digestive, etc., do not have any major effects on the body and overall health. The quality of diet has always had an impact on the life of a person – be it physical or mental. In a research, it was noted that the dietary habits of around 37,000 participants were studied to find out if there is any link between diet quality and mortality rate. It was during these studies, it was determined that how diets of various kinds can be introduced to reduce the mortality rate.

As per the investigators or researchers, when saturated fats are replaced with unsaturated fats, there were lower risks of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Similarly, it was seen that carbs intake from refined grains have been associated with extreme health problems. This when added with sugar has adverse effects on the health triggering heart ailments. On the other hand, carbs from whole grains and non starchy vegetables and fruits are extremely beneficial to the health and cardiovascular system.

This is the reason why the investigators wanted to distinguish the link between diet types, their qualities and the mortality rate. Furthermore, they also have emphasized the association and the differences between them. The low fat and low carb diet has been analyzed to find its link with mortality. As per reports from NHANES or the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the death toll reported were 4,866, out of which 849 were due to heart ailments. Of this 4,866, 1,068 were caused due to cancer. The report was taken into consideration for studying the macro-nutrient intake of everyone. This was done to derive different qualities and types of diet that could possibly improve the diet pattern and reduce premature deaths

Nonetheless, the research team were able to find out a link between unhealthy low carb and low fat diet which led to a higher mortality rate. They also found out that low fat and carb diet that are good quality are linked to lower rates of premature death. People who were in the low carb diet have higher BMI, body mass index and were also the ones with low body weight just like people of low fat dietary habits. 

Apart from factors such as diet, many biological elements play a significant role in the factors leading to mortality rate. Diet that is rich in unsaturated fat can lead to potential health issues and complications including obesity and cardiovascular ailments. Even though fat provides double the energy as protein and carbohydrates in terms of weight, excessive consumption is not advisable. Carbs are present in refined grains and beverages that have extra sugar but these provide minimum nutritional value. In addition to this, the percentage of glycemic acid is high and is associated with high insulin, postprandial glucose, dyslipidemia and inflammation. 

In many western countries, an index of diet quality has been linked with lower risk of mortality rate and chronic health conditions. However, this might be different in Asian countries and studies are going on. These studies are being carried out to analyse and study the epidemiological relations between dietary related health outputs and mortality rate. This is to show how diet plays an important role in determining the health condition. There were many studies carried out that showed the overall quality of the diet and the variety that they could bring. 

It was also investigated if the nutritional value remains the same in different food servings and how to make a diet that is completely balanced. This balance is required to ensure a better overall health condition. According to the numerous researches and studies, the higher the quality of diet is, the lower is the rate of mortality. This was irrespective of the individual being a male or a female. Unhealthy food habits and lifestyle forms different layers of fat on all parts of bodies which restricts blood flow which leads to complications and ailments. 

This is regardless of the body part or organ we are talking about, as far deposition works as a stubborn envelope around the organs and systems. According to a study that took place over a period of 12 years, many participants were open to significantly improving their dietary habits whereas few were relatively open to the idea of changing their diet. It was seen that the individuals who improved their diet, were vastly affected in a better manner as they were seen to be healthy and devoid of any ailments that could lead to premature death. On the other hand, people who were on a subtle change in their diet were found to be in a less better condition than the first group. 


Henceforth, it can be concluded that with gradual change in dietary habits, the difference can be noticed. This might, rather, will take years to be visibly different, yet one should start the practice as soon as possible. An improved quality of diet that has been consistent for many years is directly proportional to a reduced risk of premature death. Selection of food and a diet chart significantly affects the health of an individual which is associated with their well being and the overall mortality chart. 

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