Nutrition is an important part of health
Nutrition and exercise are among the most important cornerstones of our health. A healthy diet and an adequate daily exercise regime promote health and reduce the risk of many non-contagious diseases, such as cardiac and pulmonary diseases, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain cancer types. Correct dietary choices also promote dental health.
Dietary habits have as a rule changed for better
The dietary habits of Finnish people have in the recent decades changed in a positive direction. The consumption of vegetables, fruit, berries and rye bread has increased. Low-fat and fat-free dairy products, vegetable oils and vegetable fat spreads are already part of the diet for the majority of Finns. Salt is used in smaller quantities.
Less desirable changes include an increase in the consumption of meat and sweets. Larger consumption amounts of various sweet and acid beverages and particularly alcohol are not in line with health objectives, either.
The changes in dietary habits are reflected in the intake of nutrients with the relative shares of energy nutrients already approaching the recommended values. The quality of fat and the intake of salt, however, still leave a lot to be desired. With the exception of vitamin D, the intake of vitamins and minerals can actually be considered abundant.
Health risks reduced but replaced by new challenges
The health of the population has shown favourable changes, partly due to improved nutrition: annual cardiovascular mortality has decreased by about 80% since the 1970s and the prevalence of many cancerous diseases has decreased or the diseases have transferred to older age groups. New challenges include population weight increase and the health problems associated with it, such as type 2 diabetes. Inadequate exercise plays an important role in weight gain, but dietary changes also contribute to it. This is particularly true with younger people and with sugar-containing products and fast food. Dental caries is also on the increase again among young people.
These new challenges call for correct guiding action from the government and cooperation between many different parties to support the people in making choices that promote their health in terms of both food and exercise.
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This site provides information about nutrition recommendations issued in Finland and other countries, tips for food choices that are consistent with recommendations as well as important documentation related to nutrition and health policy.