English Diet Could Save Many Lives, Says Study

A new study published in the British Medical Journal suggests that adopting the "English" diet could save thousands of lives in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The study said that people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland consume more salt and calories compared to their English counterparts. It added that more than 80 percent of deaths due to cancer and heart disease can be avoided if people in the three regions follow a diet similar to those living in England.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford and the John Radcliffe Hospital who analyzed the diets during 2007 and 2009 and found that people in Scotland and Northern Ireland consumed 7.5g of salt while those in Wales consumed 7.4g compared to 7g among the English.

Lead researcher Dr Peter Scarborough said that there was also a big difference between the amount of vegetables and fruits consumed. "Consumption of fruit and vegetables in Scotland is around 12 percent lower than in England, and consumption in Northern Ireland is about 20 percent lower than in England. Consumption levels in Wales are similar", he said.



Source: Medindia