【Medical Q&A】Why is a healthy diet so important for preventing chronic diseases?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Chen Wei, Chief Physician, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

A healthy diet is very important for preventing chronic diseases because it directly affects our physical health, helps maintain normal physiological functions, enhances immunity, reduces inflammation in the body and prevents the occurrence of diseases. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity are closely related to our eating habits. By eating a healthy diet, the risk of these diseases can be effectively reduced.

First, a healthy diet helps control weight. An unhealthy diet, such as high-energy, high-fat foods, can easily lead to weight gain and obesity. Obesity is the root cause of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. A healthy diet can help maintain a normal weight and reduce the risk of these diseases.

Secondly, a healthy diet helps regulate blood sugar and blood lipids. A diet high in salt, sugar, and fat can easily lead to elevated blood sugar and blood lipid levels, which may cause diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. By consuming enough dietary fiber, low-fat, high-antioxidant foods (such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains), it can help stabilize blood sugar and blood lipids and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

In addition, there is medical evidence that a healthy diet can reduce chronic inflammation in the body, and many chronic diseases are related to long-term low-grade inflammation in the body. An unhealthy diet may promote this inflammatory response, while a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients can help reduce inflammation and protect the body from disease.