The Role of Nutrition in Non-Communicable Diseases: Literature Review

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer, collectively referred to as NCDs, are a global concern and contribute to about 71% of the total global mortality. This paper focuses on examining nutrition in an attempt to understand how it influences these diseases since the consumption of certain foods is a modifiable risk factor. The results reveal that an increased concentration of fruits and vegetables, whole meal grains, and health-promoting fats can help reduce the vulnerability to NCDs, but a high diet of processed foods and sugar makes the problem worse. However, there is still a dearth of knowledge on the multifaceted processes regarding how particular diet patterns influence NCDs. This study synthesizes available literature on nutrition and NCDs concerning how dietary patterns and nutrient intakes influence the prevention and treatment of diseases. Conclusions are drawn from numerous investigations, stressing the positive effects of dietary modifications like Mediterranean and DASH diets on NCD risk and actual health status. This review contributes to the future development of nutrition and health as a quick reference for researchers about the specific effects of nutrition on health. However, some barriers have not yet been solved like the incidence of unhealthy dietary patterns. Subsequent research should closely examine factors that can be employed that would ensure the effective administration of both nutritional interventions as well as the formulation of improved public health policies that would ensure a change of habits and eating behaviors in a bid to reduce the effects of NCDs.