ABSTRACT
Traditional nutrition research uses epidemiological, clinical, and physiological studies to identify how dežciencies in certain nutrients translate into compromised health. It builds on these žndings to explore how dietary choices in general help explain differences in health from one population to another. The United States Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health and Human Services, and various special interest organizations provide dietary guidelines to promote health and to reduce risk for major chronic diseases through diet and physical activity. Major causes of morbidity and mortality are related to poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Some specižc diseases linked to poor diet and physical inactivity include cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.
