Unhealthy Diet and Cardiovascular Diseases Cause Nearly 6 Million Preventable Deaths

Photo by Fábio Alves on Unsplash 

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide. A recent international study estimates that approximately 5.9 million cardiovascular deaths are directly linked to modifiable dietary factors.

Researchers analysed dietary habits in more than 200 countries and identified several major nutritional deficiencies. The main factors associated with cardiovascular deaths include low consumption of nuts and seeds, insufficient intake of whole grains and fruits, and excessive consumption of salt, trans fats, processed meats, and sugary beverages.

This study highlights that preventing heart disease does not depend solely on medical care. Daily dietary choices play a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health.

In Cameroon, eating habits are changing rapidly. In major cities, ultra-processed foods rich in sodium, added sugars, and fats are gradually replacing some traditional, more nutritious foods. Yet the country has a wide variety of protective foods, including peanuts, cowpeas, beans, pumpkin seeds, local fruits, plantains, and yams. Promoting these foods could help reduce cardiovascular disease risk while supporting the national agricultural economy.

Experts also recommend awareness campaigns focusing on reducing salt intake, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and promoting whole grains.

Implications for Cameroon

Cameroon is at a nutritional crossroads. The global findings of this study closely reflect trends observed within the country. The following nutrition trends are observed in our context:

• Accelerated nutrition transition: In major cities such as Yaoundé and Douala, consumption of ultra-processed foods rich in sodium, sugars, and saturated fats is increasing rapidly at the expense of traditional diets rich in legumes, tubers, and whole grains.

• Fruit and vegetable deficit: Fresh fruit consumption remains insufficient in many urban households due to cost and dietary habits, despite abundant locally produced fruits available in markets.

• Cooking habits: Heavy use of salt in traditional cooking and spicy sauces represents an underestimated source of sodium, compounded by the growing use of industrial seasoning cubes with high sodium content.

Opportunities for Immediate Action

• Promote local protective foods: Cameroon possesses exceptional food biodiversity, including palm nuts, pumpkin seeds, legumes (cowpeas, peanuts), plantains, and yams. These foods correspond directly to the protective food categories identified in the study. Supporting these value chains would benefit both cardiovascular health and the local economy.

• Integrate into NCD prevention programs: The National Program for the Fight Against Non-Communicable Diseases (PNLMNT) should incorporate specific nutritional targets (sodium intake, whole grain consumption) into its monitoring indicators.

• Urgent national research: To date, no study has assessed the burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to diet in Cameroon. Conducting such an analysis using available data (STEPS survey, MICS surveys) would help prioritise interventions.

• Public awareness: Develop communication campaigns focused on salt reduction, fruit consumption, and whole-grain intake, using local languages and community networks.