The numbers of preventable and premature deaths each year in the USA are due to the following causes:
• Smoking caused 467,000 premature deaths
• High blood pressure caused 395,000 premature deaths
• Overweight / obesity caused 216,000 premature deaths
• Inadequate physical activity caused 191,000 premature deaths
• High blood sugar caused 190,000 premature deaths
• High LDL cholesterol caused 113,000 premature deaths
• High dietary salt caused 102,000 premature deaths
• Low dietary omega-3 fatty acids caused 84,000 premature deaths
• High dietary trans fatty acids caused 82,000 premature deaths
• Alcohol use caused 64,000 premature deaths
• Low intake of fruits and vegetables caused 58,000 premature deaths
• Low dietary poly-unsaturated fatty acids caused 15,000 premature deaths
Apart from stopping smoking, the rest of the risk factors can be reduced through making changes to your diet and lifestyle. Simply take physical activity, reduce sugar and salt and increase fruit, vegetables and omega 3 fats.
