5 Nutrition-Related Causes of Poor Health
We are often not aware of how much our food choices affect our health, but they do, a lot. Some of the most prominent causes of poor health, such as heart and metabolic disease, are linked to eating too little of the food our bodies need.
Specifically, the lack of adequate nutrients and the excess consumption of particular harmful foods are the major contributing factors to such diseases.
Below are five major diet-related causes of poor health:
- High Salt and Sugar Intake
- Rise in Ultra-Processed Foods and Drinks
- Imbalanced Fat Intake
- Low Fruit and Vegetable Intake
- Low Intake of Fibres, Grains, Nuts, Seeds, and Micronutrients
1. High Salt and Sugar Intake
Often referred to as the “two white enemies” of modern diets, salt and sugar are leading dietary risk factors for illness and premature death worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, consuming more than 5 grams of salt per day significantly raises blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. High salt intake is also associated with a wide range of other conditions, including chronic kidney disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, and even certain types of cancer.
Similarly, high sugar consumption, particularly added sugars found in soft drinks, snacks, and baked goods, has been directly linked to the rising prevalence of obesity, fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome. Excess sugar intake contributes to insulin resistance and abdominal fat accumulation, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Moreover, sugar is also associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, which plays a role in the development of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative conditions.
2. Rise in Ultra-Processed Foods and Drinks
Globalisation and urbanisation have changed how people eat. More individuals rely on convenience foods and ready-made meals, while fewer grow or cook their food at home. As a result, ultra-processed products like frozen meals, packaged snacks, sweetened drinks, reconstituted meats, and fast food have become staples in diets worldwide. These products are typically high in added sugars, refined carbohydrates, trans fats, and artificial additives, and low in essential nutrients.
In some countries, these foods now account for up to 60% of daily energy intake. This trend hits vulnerable and low-income populations hardest. These groups often lack access to healthy, affordable food and are more exposed to cheap, aggressively marketed ultra-processed products. In the EU, for example, 9.1% of the population cannot afford a quality meal every other day.
The growing dependence on ultra-processed foods is a major contributor to the global burden of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
3. Imbalanced Fat Intake
Imbalanced fat intake is a major contributor to chronic diseases worldwide. While fats are essential for vital functions, excessive intake, especially of saturated fats, can lead to serious health issues. According to the article published on the National Library of Medicine, Inflammatory Links Between High Fat Diets and Diseases, diets high in saturated fats are linked to increased risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. The rise in high-fat diets has played a key role in the global obesity epidemic, which continues to drive the burden of chronic disease.
However, not all fats are harmful. Healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, and oily fish, can support heart and brain health when consumed in moderation. A balanced approach to fat intake, focused on reducing saturated fats and including healthier sources, is crucial for disease prevention and overall well-being.
4. Low Fruit and Vegetable Intake
Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants that help protect the body from inflammation, oxidative stress, and other processes that lead to disease. A diet low in fruits and vegetables has been associated with a higher risk of noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and obesity.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2017 alone, an estimated 3.9 million deaths worldwide were linked to inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption. Regular intake of fruits and vegetables significantly supports the immune system and digestion,and provides the body with a broad range of protective nutrients.
5. Low Intake of Fibres, Grains, Nuts, Seeds, and Micronutrients
A diet low in fibre, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and essential micronutrients can significantly impact health. These foods are rich in dietary fibre, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that are vital for proper digestion, metabolic balance, and disease prevention. Low intake is associated with an increased risk of chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, chronic inflammation, and even depression.
In addition to their general health benefits, fibre-rich foods like legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds also play a role in more specific health issues. For example, research published in the National Library of Medicine has suggested a potential link between low fibre intake and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Increasing fibre intake may help improve gut health, support hormonal balance, and reduce symptoms related to these disorders. Including a variety of these nutrient-dense foods in the daily diet is a simple but powerful step toward better long-term health.
Conclusion
Addressing these dietary gaps through balanced, nutrient-rich eating habits is essential for improving long-term health and preventing a wide range of diseases. With this mission at its core, the WiseFood project, funded by the European Union, was launched. Running over the next three years, the project will promote healthier eating habits through three user-friendly, AI-powered applications, co-developed and tested by citizens in the WiseFood Living Labs.
To discover how smart technologies can support healthier choices, follow WiseFood Newsroom and its social media pages on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.