Poor Diet Ups Chronic Disease Risk

Poor eating habits can lead to several chronic diseases, a new study states.

The study, conducted by University of Adelaide researchers and colleagues, shows us what has already been told several times over - a diet devoid of vegetables and fruits, puts people on the fast-track to several diseases.

Data for the study came from 1,000 people in China who were followed for about five years. Researchers found that during the study period, proportion of people with at least one long-term health problem increased from 14 to 34 percent.

"Risk factors such as smoking, lack of physical activity and nutrition are already known to be linked to the development of chronic disease. But this is the first time research has shown that nutrition itself is directly associated with the development of multiple chronic diseases over time," said study co-author Dr Zumin Shi, from the University of Adelaide's School of Medicine.

According to the researchers - participants who ate more fruits, vegetables and grains, apart from rice and wheat, were healthier than others in the study.

"Grains other than rice and wheat - such as oats, corn, sorghum, rye, barley, millet and quinoa - are less likely to be refined and are therefore likely to contain more dietary fibre. The benefits of whole grains are well known and include a reduction in cardiovascular disease, diabetes and colorectal cancer," Shi said in a news release.

Healthy people were less likely to eat rice, researchers found. Rice is refined and has fewer micronutrients and fiber than other grains.

Higher intake of fruits protects people against onset of first chronic disease, while eating vegetable helps keep multiple chronic diseases away, Shi said.

Cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and lung disorders are few long-term diseases that affect millions of people around the world. A study by the World Bank has estimated that chronic diseases will cost the global economy around $35 trillion from 2005 to 2030. In the U.S., minority and low-income populations bear the burden of chronic diseases.