answersLogoWhite

0

What is wrong with the standard American diet?

Updated: 8/20/2019
User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

Best Answer

Americans consume too many calories. They get too many macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and protein) and too few micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals like antioxidants).

Most people in affluent societies also have one or more risk factors that predict premature death and illness:

  • 1/3 have elevated cholesterol
  • 1/3 have hypertension
  • More than 30% are obese
  • More than 65% are overweight
  • 10% are diabetic

Diseases of affluence are epidemic among people who eat the standard American diet:

  • 1/2 die prematurely of Heart disease
  • 1/2 of men develop life-threatening cancer
  • 1/3 of women develop life-threatening cancer
  • Over age 60, 30% have gallbladder disease
  • One in seven suffers with serious Arthritis
  • 60% complain of bad breath (halitosis)
  • Most have gastrointestinal troubles (indigestion to constipation)

Americans consume too much processed food, fast food, and junk food, from which the micronutrients have been removed. The standard American diet is deficient in calcium, iodine, vitamin C, vitamin E, fiber, folate, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. In fact:

  • 98% of Americans eat potassium-deficient diets because they don't eat enough plants
  • 95% of Americans don't get enough fiber
  • Over 92% of Americans are deficient in one or more vitamins. That doesn't mean they are receiving less than the amount they need for optimal health. That means they receive less than the MINIMUM amount necessary to prevent deficiency diseases.
  • Up to 80% of Americans are deficient in magnesium.
  • Almost 75% don't get enough zinc
  • 70% don't get enough vitamin E
  • 50% don't get enough vitamin D
  • 40% don't get enough iron
  • Up to 40% don't get enough vitamin B12
  • 37% don't get enough vitamin C

Half of men, ages to 65 to 74, and 39% of women, ages 75 and older, must take expensive statin drugs just to stay alive on the standard American diet.

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is wrong with the standard American diet?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

How much sodium is in the standard American diet?

The standard American diet contains between 4000 and 5000 mg of sodium per day.


Where can I find some diabetic diet plans?

However, more modern history of the diabetic diet may begin with Frederick ... As mentioned above, this is controversial, with some researchers claiming ... is harshly critical of the standard American Diabetes Association diet plan. ...


What is the ISBN of The New American Diet?

The ISBN of The New American Diet is 1605294640.


When was The New American Diet created?

The New American Diet was created in 2009-11.


Can the wrong diet make you lose your baby?

If that diet has made you or the baby sick it can


What is sippy diet?

Is also known as a Dairy Diet. The standard regiment for peptic ulcers


What does ADA in 1000 calorie ADA diet mean?

It stands for American Diabetes Association. The 1000 is the amount of calories per day. Basically it is the standard diet prescribed to those patients with diabetes who need help controlling their blood sugar.


When was American Standard Companies created?

American Standard Companies was created in 1872.


What is the population of American Standard Companies?

American Standard Companies's population is 15,200.


When was American Standard Brands created?

American Standard Brands was created in 1872.


When was American Standard Version created?

American Standard Version was created in 1901.


What things do you believe right or wrong?

There is no right or wrong. This question will have an answer when it have a standard.