Journal of Food Processing & Technology

The impact of sustainable diet on long term health, a review of the evidence

4^th International Conference and Exhibition on Food Processing & Technology

August 10-12, 2015 London, UK

Alison Burton Shepherd

Keynote: J Food Process Technol

Abstract:

The concept of sustainable diets presents an opportunity to successfully advance commitments to sustainable development
and the elimination of poverty, food and nutrition insecurity, and poor health outcomes. However, Keats et al (2014) asssert
that global dietary patterns have changed dramatically in the past 50 years, presenting both a boom and a threat to the health
and well-being of populations everywhere. Moreover, for many different reasons beyond the scope of this presentation, it is
suggested that today, people are consuming foods that pose the greatest negative impacts for their health and the environment.
Increased incomes are accompanied by increased consumption of diets high in meat, dairy, oil, salt, and processed foods. At
the same time, the globalization of the food system has contributed to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss, while
lowering prices for diets high in energy but consequently low in variety and important nutrients. Coupled with urbanization
and increasing sedentary lifestyles, there is an unprecedented rise in obesity and, subsequently, non-communicable diseases,
such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension. These trends reveal an alarming increase of such health issues across
low, middle, and high-income countries. Although >1 billion people world-wide are overweight and obese, 868 million people
are suffering from hunger, and another 2 billion are suffering from micronutrient deficiencies. As Ballam (2011) suggests, there
are many major challenges and no single solutions to assist the population in achieving a sustainable diet. This presenation will
seek to address some of these challenges which may be useful in health promotion.

Biography :

Alison Burton Shepherd is a Registered Nutritionist (Scientist) and Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at De Montfort University Leicester UK. She is a part time
Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Non Medical Prescriber. Recently, she became an Inspector for the Care Quality Commission inspecting primary medical services
to ensure that high standards of clinical care are being maintained. She is proud to be a Queens Nurse a title given to nurses who have achieved and continue to
strive for excellence.