Health issues
Many health issues can be linked to a person鈥檚 diet. A well balanced diet can often improve these problems or prevent them from getting worse.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that causes the body's blood sugar level to become too high.
There are two types - type 1 and type 2. There are no changes to diet or lifestyle that will lower the risk of type 1 diabetes but type 2 is often linked to being overweight and inactive.
It usually develops in middle age and depending on how serious it is can be controlled by medication and a low sugar diet.
People with A condition that causes the body鈥檚 blood sugar level to become too high. will have to lose weight and become more active. They should avoid food which is high in sugar as high levels of sugar in the blood can cause damage to the eyes, kidneys and blood vessels.
A low sugar diet is essential and medication may also be required.
Heart conditions
A diet high in saturated fat can cause cholesterol to build up in the arteries leading to heart disease and even a heart attack.
A low fat diet is essential. Where fat is included it must be unsaturated. Oils made from plants instead of animals should be used and low fat spread instead of butter.
Wholemeal bread is also recommended. Red meat should be replaced with chicken, fish or pulses.
Methods of cooking using fat should be avoided. Grilling, baking, stewing and poaching are recommended.
Obesity
Obesity is becoming a major health issue as it can lead to more serious conditions like heart disease, cancer, and stroke as well as respiratory and mobility problems.
The cause of obesity is consuming more calories than you burn off through exercise, so one of the first things that needs to be addressed by the hospitality industry is portion size.
Smaller portions reduce the number of calories and can contribute to weight loss. Offering different portion sizes gives customers a choice and may help them control their food intake.
Outlets that use frying as the main method of cooking should consider other ways of cooking food to reduce fat intake.
Reducing the sugar content of recipes will also help people to control their weight as sugar is another main contributor to obesity.
Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is a common digestive condition where the small intestine becomes inflamed and unable to absorb nutrients. is a common digestive condition where the small intestine becomes inflamed and unable to absorb nutrients.
It is caused by an adverse reaction to gluten, a protein found in three types of cereal - wheat, barley and rye.
Gluten is found in any food that contains these cereals, including:
- Pasta
- Cakes
- Breakfast Cereals
- Most types of bread
- Sauces made with flour
- Some types of ready meals
Coeliac disease can cause a range of symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloating. These symptoms usually disappear when products made using wheat, barley and rye are removed from the diet.
When eating out it is important that a customer identifies the condition so that alternative choices not on the menu can be provided, like a cream sauce instead of a roux sauce or fresh fruit salad instead of a pudding made with flour.