Explain the connection between nutrition and each of the following health conditions: cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and cancer

Analyze the function of certain nutrients and their role in either minimizing or increasing the risks for each of these conditions.
Cardiovascular disease is a term that refers to diseases that affect blood vessels and
the heart. Consumption of saturated fats and trans fats results in cardiovascular disease. HDL
and LDL cholesterol are linked to one’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease (Sizer &
Whitney, 2017). One thus needs to lower LDL cholesterol to minimize the chances of getting
cardiovascular disease. Intake of salt and sodium increases one’s risk of developing
hypertension (Sizer & Whitney, 2017). Individuals are thus advised to lower their sodium and
salt intake to keep their blood pressure in check. Heavy consumption of alcohol is also
associated with hypertension. Deficiency in certain nutrients could result in hypertension.
Intake of too little potassium can result in high blood pressure. Certain foods and their
components may initiate or promote cancer. On the other hand, certain foods and their
components can help protect an individual against cancer.
Physical activity and nutrition go hand-in-hand with regard to maintaining a healthy
lifestyle.  Analyze the importance of healthy eating and vitamins and minerals in
supporting physical endurance and athleticism.  What are the benefits of regular, long
term physical fitness on our health and well-being?
Proper nutrition can help enhance athletic performance. The best way to stay healthy
is to exercise and eat well. Poor performance in sport is associated with poor nutrition.
Failing to ensure that one gets enough calories, fluids, vitamins and minerals can result in
poor performance (Atherton & Smith, 2012). Physical fitness reduces the risk of
cardiovascular diseases. Physical exercise also ensures that one manages their weight better

and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Through exercise one is also able to manage their
blood pressure.
“Being fat can hold you back.” This is a comment from one of the children interviewed
from the video: The Weight of the Nation: Part 3- Children in Crisis. After viewing this
video, explain three side effects from being obese as a child and three health
consequences obese children are at risk for?
Children who are obese are likely to be obese as adults. Children who are obese are
likely to suffer from diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Obese children are also likely
to get asthma and other health complications (HBO Documentary Films, 2012). Children who
are obese may have esteem issues. In addition, they cannot engage in various physical
activities such as walking.

References

HBO Documentary Films. [HBODocs]. (2012, May 14). The weight of the nation: Part 3 –
Children in crisis (Links to an external site.) [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T24B6T-hp0E
Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2017). Nutrition: Concepts and controversies (14th ed.). Mason,
OH: Cengage Learning.
Atherton, P. J., & Smith, K. (2012). Muscle protein synthesis in response to nutrition and
exercise. The Journal of physiology, 590(5), 1049-1057.