Dietary Choices and Health Benefits or Risks
In this WebQuest we're going to focus on how our dietary choices are linked to health risks and remember which are the benefits of a balanced diet.
Dietary choices play a pivotal role in shaping an individual’s health.
The foods we consume have a profound impact on our physical and mental well-being, influencing everything from body weight and energy levels to the risk of chronic diseases and mental health conditions.
While a diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can promote health and prevent diseases, poor dietary choices characterized by high consumption of processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can lead to numerous health issues.
Moreover, the quantity of food consumed can lead to conditions like malnutrition and overnutrition, both of which have their own set of risks and health implications.
Before we start please take a look to the following comic and visit Forum Discussion so to interact on "What are the key benefits and risks associated with different dietary choices, and how can we make healthier eating decisions in our daily lives?"
One of the primary concerns associated with poor dietary choices is the risk of nutrient deficiencies. Dietary choices are among the major contributing factors to the prevalence of chronic diseases. High consumption of processed foods, can lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, obesity, driven by excess calorie intake, is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. Thus, we are going to focus both on nutrient deficiences but also malnutrition type regarding overnutrition with the use of an interactive escape room, where you are supposed to be trapped in a virtual world dominated by AI . To return to reality, you must overcome various challenges navigating through different rooms to solve the puzzles and escape with the knowledge needed to promote healthy eating habits:
Some usefull resources used in the presentation:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/179316#causes
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/malnutrition/
Emerging research indicates a strong connection between dietary choices and mental health:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7322666/
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9976/26/1/104
https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/nutrition
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666320316421
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9828042/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4566439/
Common findings in the above researches are the following facts:
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Diets high in refined sugars and unhealthy fats have been linked to increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. These foods can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, leading to mood swings and fatigue.
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A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals has been associated with improved mood and cognitive function.
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Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseeds, play a crucial role in brain health and have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
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Serotonin, often called the “feel good” neurotransmitter, helps regulate your mood, sleep, appetite, and tolerance for pain. To produce this neurotransmitter, the brain must complete several steps inside the gastrointestinal system that require certain nutrients, including but not limited to vitamin B1, copper, riboflavin, and calcium.
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The gut microbiome produces neurochemicals that influence brain function, affecting our mood, cognition, and even our susceptibility to mental health conditions.
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By embracing a gut-friendly lifestyle, we can foster a healthy gut microbiome, supporting our physical and mental well-being. This includes consuming a diverse and balanced diet, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and prioritizing healthy habits.