Fleming (2020) investigates the impact of the western diet and analyzes the existing psychological and physiological outcomes. The article underlines the worth of diets consisting of fresh food, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and seafood highly promoted in Japan and the Mediterranean region. It is necessary to support healthy lifestyle policies at global levels and prevent the growth of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and some mental illnesses. While the author argues that western diets are dangerous for human health, rejecting them in all populations seems impossible and even irrational.
On the one hand, it is correct to admit that the western diet with saturated fats, salt, and sucrose may be harmful for many reasons. Fleming (2020) states that eating sandwiches and milkshakes as a part of the western-style diet affects hippocampal function and causes memory impairments. For example, people on the same diet cannot control their short- and long-term memories and suffer from obesity, hypertension, and diabetes more frequently than those who prefer low-fat and low-sugar products. The quality of food and the frequency of eating determine humans’ physical and psychological conditions. Therefore, the study proves the negative effects of the western diet and prepares the reader to find out the importance of changes.
On the other hand, statistical data and the experiment with a control group and an experiment group may not be enough for all populations to stop using harmful food. The author explains that cardiovascular diseases in China have become one of the leading causes of death, and more than 70% of American adults are obese or overweight (Fleming, 2020). However, it does not look like this article covers enough economic, political, and agricultural factors that affect the dietary choice of the population. Most nations base their interests on the resources available to them at the moment. The western diet is chosen due to regular access to meat and other products and a lack of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy products.
People are interested in developing new dietary habits and food interests. In the chosen article, the western diet is described as a negative contribution to human health that provokes many diseases and physiological changes. However, more attention should be paid to why people choose sandwiches and milkshakes over fruits and vegetables. Instead of thinking about how western food preferences worsen human memory or weight, it is important to learn how to help make the right choices.
Reference
Fleming, S. (2020). The western diet is unhealthy – Here’s what it’s doing to your body. World Economic Forum. Web.