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Poles' dietary mistakes how to make healthier choices every day

Homepage Articles Poles' dietary mistakes how to make healthier choices every day

Poles' dietary mistakes how to make healthier choices every day

Excessive appetite for fast food, sweets or processed snacks often causes people to forget about the basics of a healthy diet lack of vegetables, fruits and adequate amount of fiber. What are the main traps in our eating habits? How can we make better food choices every day? In Poland, as in many other parts of the world, food errors are not an exception, but rather a common norm.

Table of Contents

1. The statistics are disturbing

The latest data shows that more than 50% of women and nearly 70% of men are overweight, and more than 20% of our nation's population is obese (NFZ 2024). These alarming numbers are directly linked to diets rich in saturated fatty acids, simple sugars and processed foods, and low in fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. The health effects

The burden on the health system of treating these diseases is enormous, and the social and economic costs are rising as health trends deteriorate. They increase the risk of many chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. Excess body weight and obesity are not only aesthetic issues, but above all health issues.

3. Potential solutions

Promoting physical activity as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle is equally important. To reverse these worrying trends, there is a need for action at many levels. In addition, regulations governing the quality of food available and food advertising could contribute to improving dietary quality. Nutrition education should become a priority in both schools and public health campaigns to raise awareness of the benefits of healthy eating.

4. The food errors of the Poles

The diet of many people in Poland remains far from ideal despite the growing awareness of healthy eating.In everyday food choices of Poles you can see a number of habits that deviate from dietary recommendations and can lead to serious health problems.

5. Excessive consumption of processed foods

Trans fats found in sweets, salty snacks, and fast foods, among others, can increase so-called bad LDL cholesterol and lower so- called good HDL cholesterol, which poses a serious risk to heart health. Additionally, a high level of simple sugars in your daily diet promotes the development of type 2 diabetes, obesity, diarrhea, and may contribute to metabolic problems, including metabolic syndrome (M.M. It is common to eat processed foods that are readily available, but at the same time reduce the nutritional value of healthy foods.

6. Not enough fruit and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are a key source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber that support the proper functioning of the body and can help prevent many diseases (WHO 2020). According to WHO recommendations, an adult should consume at least 400 g of vegetables and fruits per day to reap full health benefits, and increasing this amount to 800 g may further enhance the positive effects.

7. Excessive consumption of red meat

In response to these threats, public health experts recommend limiting the consumption of red meat (to a maximum of 500 g per week) to plant proteins, González et al. 2020). Although these foods are tasty and full-fledged, their regular consumption is associated with a health risk, including an increased risk of colon cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. They also recommend greater consumption of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids and poultry, which is a healthier alternative.

8. Too little fish and seafood

Shahidi, P. Despite the numerous health benefits, consumption of fish and seafood in Poland remains well below the levels recommended by experts (National Institute of Public Health 2022). Alternatives to trane may be supplements containing algae Schizochytrium sp., Crypthecodinium cohnii or Ulkenia sp. They not only support the functioning of the nervous system but also contribute to lowering triglyceride levels and improving blood vessel viscosity, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (F. Amipalan 2018).

9. In the case of the manufacturer, the following information shall be provided:

In addition, chronic alcohol abuse increases the risk of many types of cancer and can have a negative impact on the family and professional lives of addicts (H.F.J. Excessive alcohol consumption has serious health consequences and is a common problem in Poland, as in many other countries.
Source

González N. et al., Meat consumption: Which are the current global risks? A review of recent (2010-2020) evidences, „Food Research International” 2020, 137, 109341.
Healthy diet, who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet (16.08.2024).
Hendriks H.F.J., Alcohol and Human Health: What Is the Evidence?, „Annual Review of Food Science and Technology” 2020, 11, 1–21.
Lane M.M. et al., Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses, „BMJ” 2024, 384, e077310.
NFZ o zdrowiu Otyłość i jej konsekwencje, ezdrowie.gov.pl/19636 (16.08.2024).
Raport: Sytuacja zdrowotna ludności Polski i jej uwarunkowania, pzh.gov.pl/raport-sytuacja-zdrowotna-ludnosci-polski-i-jej-uwarunkowania/ (16.08.2024).
Shahidi F., Ambigaipalan P., Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Health Benefits, „Annual Review of Food Science and Technology” 2018, 9, 345–381.
Wolnicka K., Talerz zdrowego żywienia, ncez.pzh.gov.pl/abc-zywienia/talerz-zdrowego-zywienia/ (16.08.2024).