By now we all know the alarming stats of how obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers are skyrocketing. Though there is always the question of the effect of genetics, we have to admit the enormous role that the modern diet plays in the equation.
Our modern eating habits are wildly different from those of our ancestors. We now eat so many artificial additives, modified oils, and seriously processed foods that we are beginning to witness the toll to peoples’ health. These 7 powerful graphs really drive the message home.
Currently, those living in Western countries are gorging on an average of 150 lbs. of sugar every year! This amounts to a whopping 100g of sugar per day. Research has now shown that sugar intake this high is associated with elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, increased insulin resistance leading to metabolic damage and metabolic syndrome, and a host more issues.
- We drink more soda and fruit juice today
Sugar is bad, but sugar when taken in the form of sweetened drinks may be even worse, since the body doesn’t quite register liquid sugar as it does with solid sugar – meaning you inadvertently consume more. Sodas can do double damage if they are replacing other potentially healthy beverages such as water, black coffee or tea without sugar. Fruit juice might look a little healthier on the surface, but a closer look may show that some contain even more sugar than soda.
- Total caloric intake has shot through the roof
The overall average daily calorie consumption for adults has risen by 20% over the course of 40 years. We can understand this by remembering that a pound of fat represents 3,500 calories. If 425 excess calories are eaten daily (the average amount above the required calorie need) then in just 8.5 days a pound of fat would be gained.
This increase all comes down to food marketing tactics. Fatty, sugary and overly processed foods are marketed more insistently than they ever have before – with our waistlines paying the price.
- Modern Wheat is not as Nutritious
Research into the nutrient content of modern wheat (which was introduced in the 60s) shows that is overall less nutritious than its predecessors. The above graphs show lowered amounts of copper, iron, zinc and magnesium – and these amounts seem to get lower. Recent clinical studies have suggested that modern wheat may actually instigate more allergic reactions in people, especially those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- We now eat more processed food than ever before
In the above graph, the “at home” portion is small, but may be even smaller when we consider how many people still eat heavily processed foods in their own homes anyway.
- Increased Vegetable Oil Consumption is Changing the Fatty Acid Composition of Our Bodies
Linoleic acid is the main form of Omega-6 we eat as humans, which is literally becoming incorporated into our actual cells. The nature of this fat is oxidative, and this oxidation can lead to cell damage that then increases the risk of certain cancers.
- Low Fat Diets Have Caused an Obesity Pandemic
Around the same time that governmental guidelines encouraging low fat diets were introduced, obesity numbers began to climb. True, correlation is not causation, but the association is noteworthy. Healthy fats are essential in the human diet. Once fat was removed, we inadvertently replaced it with sugar and salt, causing us to overeat (and bloat!).
There is now plenty of evidence to suggest that low fat diets do not in fact prevent obesity, cancer or heart disease, and are not in fact necessary for good health and wellbeing.
When you consider the rampant use of vegetable oils, the increase in calorie consumption, and the excessive sugar intake, you can begin to understand why the modern diet is slowly killing people.
