Golod 1

Liza Golod

Katie Sandy-Smith

ENG 1201

11/18/20

Literature Review

The food one eats has a tremendous impact on overall wellbeing, whether it is mental or

physical. Most people do not recognize that the importance of a healthy diet extends past the sole

purpose of fueling one’s body. The overall diet of an individual effects many more aspects of

overall health than one would expect. However, what exactly are the aspects that are affected by

a poor or proper diet?

After conducting a great deal of research, one thing became clear: A poor diet negatively

affects many aspects of an individual’s life. Lau Hanly even goes on to say, “Eating well is

arguably the single most important thing you can do for your body and long-term health” (How

Does Eating). Hanly’s article stays on topic, discussing in what ways nutrition directly impacts

an individual’s overall health. Factors that fall into one’s overall health are mental health,

likelihood of developing a disease, immunity, self-confidence, etc. Many studies continue to

prove that “Different kinds of disease, weakness and disabilities are closely related with the

intake of insufficient amount to food nutrients” (Alamgir Khan). The purpose of Khan’s article is

to educate the reader on the direct negative impacts of a poor diet and improper nutrition. From

what the data gathered presents, nutrients and a proper diet are the recipe for a healthy and happy

life.

Surprisingly, mental health is also greatly affected by the food one eats. However, the

main arguments in favor of this claim may vary among critics. One result of improper nutrition is
 Golod 2

obesity. According to Barbara Wexler, “One of the most immediate, distressing, and

widespread consequences of being overweight as described by children themselves is social

discrimination and low self-esteem” (Diet, Nutrition, and Weight). Although social

discrimination and low self-esteem are unfortunate consequences, other researchers would

argue that the feeling is temporary, and that there are more serious concerns regarding

obesity. Recent research states “If current trends continue, overweight and obesity are likely to

overtake smoking as the major contributor to the burden of cancer” (Thompson et al.) Therefore,

although dealing with poor self-image is unmotivating, dealing with a more serious result of

obesity, such as cancer, can provoke even more devastating mental health issues. Although both

writers present us with reliable and credible evidence, they approach the concept with different

perspectives.

Most individuals understand the importance of proper nutrition but come to believe that it

is not necessary to include into their everyday lives. For example, when one gets sick, they might

believe that taking extra vitamins will cure their sickness. However, “the design of our immune

system is complex and influenced by an ideal balance of many factors, not just diet, and

especially not by any one specific food or nutrient” (Nutrition and Immunity). Therefore, it is

important to understand that including proper nutrition into ones everyday diets is essential.

Overall, it is clear that proper nutrition plays an essential role in the overall health of any

individual. In order to dig deeper into this understanding, I want to further explore the biggest

consequences of an improper diet. The experts above have made the benefits of proper nutrition

clear, just as some have addressed the cons. However, digging deeper into the cons will grab the

reader’s attention even more. If the audience understands what obstacles they might get into

from improper nutrition, they will find a spark of motivation to change their habits.
 Golod 3

Works Cited

Boston, 677 Huntington Avenue, and Ma 02115 +1495-1000. “Nutrition and Immunity.” The

Nutrition Source, 1 May 2020, www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/nutrition-and-

immunity/. Accessed 10 Nov. 2020.

Lau, Hanly. “How Does Eating Affect Your Overall Wellness?” Healthyeating.Sfgate.com,

healthyeating.sfgate.com/eating-affect-overall-wellness-11113.html. Accessed 10 Nov.

2020.

Khan, Alamgir, et al. “Nutritional Complications and Its Effects on Human Health.” Journal of

Food Science and Nutrition, vol. 01, no. 01, 2018,

www.alliedacademies.org/articles/nutritional-complications-and-its-effects-on-human-

health-9619.html, 10.35841/food-science.1.1.17-20. Accessed 10 Nov. 2020.

Thompson, R., et al. “Major New Review of Global Evidence on Diet, Nutrition and Physical

Activity: A Blueprint to Reduce Cancer Risk.” Nutrition Bulletin, vol. 43, no. 3, Sept.

2018, pp. 269–283. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1111/nbu.12345. Accessed 18 Nov. 2020.

Wexler, Barbara. "Diet, Nutrition, and Weight Issues among Children and Adolescents." Weight

in America: Obesity, Eating Disorders, and Other Health Risks, 2010 ed., Gale, 2010.

Information Plus Reference Series. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints,

https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/EJ1772100104/OVIC?

u=dayt30401&sid=OVIC&xid=5730671e. Accessed 18 Nov. 2020.