In their article, Stern et al. (2019) address the connection between cancer and physical activity, diet, and obesity in Latin America and the USA. The significance of this research is determined by the fact that due to increased globalization, transitions in dietary practices may be observed. That is why children and adults are vulnerable to particular risk factors for their health connected with food and lifestyle regardless of the place of residence (Stern et al., 2019). In the present day, despite the “healthy immigrant hypothesis” that states that Latin Americans that immigrate to the USA are healthier in comparison with native-born Americans, the Hispanic community evidence “the same chronic disease patterns as the USA,” including adult and childhood obesity (Stern et al., 2019, p. 449). At the same time, the latter substantially contributes to the development of cancer and other chronic diseases.
Multiple factors lead to obesity among children and adults in America, including a diet characterized by huge amounts of sugar, red meat, and processed foods, marketing, a sedentary lifestyle, and fast food consumption. However, obesity and an unhealthy diet along with low physical activity and smoking increase the risk of mouth, pharynx larynx, colorectal, esophagus, breast, pancreas, stomach, liver, and prostate cancers (Stern et al., 2019). As children’s health is regarded as a nation’s top priority, various strategies that aim to reduce obesity are proposed. The most efficient and affordable practice includes school-based interventions, such as a physical activity change and balanced nutrition. Another strategy that requires more effort but provides long-lasting results changes in macro- and microenvironments where children grow up (Stern et al., 2019). It implies the changes in the whole family’s lifestyle, the availability of fresh vegetables and fruits, the use of active toys, smaller portions in restaurants, and the construction of parks.
In this article, Greenberg et al. (2018) investigate the connection between the consumption of chocolate and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The expediency of this research is determined by the significance of the CVD issue as this illness is regarded as “the main cause of mortality worldwide,” including in the United States (Greenberg et al., 2018, p. 41). In turn, evidence suggests that chocolate may improve insulin sensitivity and endothelial function and lower blood pressure. Previous meta-analyses showed the connection between a habitual intake of chocolate and the occurrence of CVD, however, the majority of participants were seniors and people with pre-existing major chronic diseases. Thus, to confirm or reject these findings, the authors conducted their own multivariable Cox regression analyses that aimed to investigate the connection between chocolate intake by postmenopausal women and the risk of CVD (Greenberg et al., 2018). The analyses were based on medical records and food frequency questionnaires that were used to measure chocolate intake.
According to the study’s results, there is no connection between the consumption of chocolate and the development of CVD and stroke in postmenopausal women without pre-existing chronic diseases. At the same time, the study partially explains the findings of previous research – substantial inverse associations between CVD and chocolate consumption may be attributable to an individual’s decrease in chocolate intake after a chronic disease, such as diabetes or cancer, was diagnosed. In general, according to research, this association may be connected with a patient’s age and the presence of already existing serious chronic diseases.
References
Greenberg, J. A., Manson, J. E., Neuhouser, M. L., Tinker, L., Eaton, C., Johnson, K. C., & Shikany, J. M. (2018). Chocolate intake and heart disease and stroke in the Women’s Health Initiative: A prospective analysis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 108(1), 41-48.
Stern, M. C., Barnoya, J., Elder, J. P., & Gallegos-Carrillo, K. (2020). Diet, physical activity, obesity and related cancer risk: Strategies to reduce cancer burden in the Americas. Salud Pública de México, 61, 448-455.