S
o you eat a mainly
plant-based diet, avoid
starchy carbs and down
green smoothies for
breakfast. You think
you’re packing in the vitamins and
minerals and helping your health by
steering clear of certain foods. But
is that really true?
A new report by the Health & Food
Supplements Information Service,
which reviewed diet trends and
nutrient intake over the past
two decades using the latest
Government statistics, has found
that diet quality has declined
significantly in the past 20 years.
Many of us are woefully low in some
nutrients – and certain aspects of
modern eating could be to blame.
Our nutrient gap is a worry because
diet-related ill health currently
causes 12 per cent of the total
number of deaths in the UK.
Shockingly, poor diet has a greater
impact on the NHS budget than
alcohol, smoking and lack of
physical inactivity. Experts are
predicting a surge in chronic
illness and warn that unless younger
people improve their diets now,
they face an increased risk of
future health issues and potential
reduced lifespan. So could you be
at risk? Read on to find out.
MIND THE
nutrient GAP
Thousands of women following supposedly healthy diets could be missing
out on key nutrients, suggests new research. Are you? Here’s how to get
what you need from your food
WORDS: Charlotte Haigh