Impact of nutrition on the risk of developing non-communicable diseases ? A study of 912 individuals from Laconia, Greece. - See more at: http://www.journalijar.com/article/8318/impact-of-nutrition-on-the-risk-of-developing-non-communicable-diseases-/?-a-study-of-912-individuals-from-laconia,-greece.#sthash.PukhVqtw.dpuf

Background: Diet and nutrition play an important role in maintaining health and preventing disease. Poor diet or overeating have been suggested as risk factors for developing certain chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes type II, and cancer. Objectives: Investigate the association between types of nutrients and the risk for development of nutrition-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the residents (35-65 years) of the Municipality of Laconia, Greece. Methods: A random sample of 912 individuals was selected from the population. A quantitative questionnaire was employed for the collection of: demographic characteristics, food consumption frequency, and NCD risk-levels in 16 systems of the organism. T-test and ANOVA was carried out to determine differences between individuals based on demographic characteristics and multiple regression analysis to determine association between different nutrient types and risk for development of nutrition-related NCDs. Results: There are significant differences in nutrient consumption between individuals with respect to the demographic characteristics studied. The findings show a strong correlation between diet and the risk of developing problems/ diseases in all body systems. Fish/seafood, fruits, vegetables and milk/dairy products reduce the risk, while eggs, sweets, cooked traditional dishes of the Greek cuisine and fast food increase it. Cereals, legumes, potatoes, meat and alcoholic drinks show mixed results. Conclusion: Health care professionals should strongly recommend individuals to adopt a diet that is based on the regular consumption of fish/seafood, fruits, vegetables and dairy products, and to avoid the consumption of eggs, sweets, fast-food and traditional dishes of the Greek cuisine, in order to lower the risk for developing NCDs like obesity, diabetes type II, cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer. As the population of Laconia is experiencing serious health problems, the return to the traditional Mediterranean diet should be a key objective. - See more at: