Nutrition and Noncommunicable Diseases: Risk Factors, Prevention Strategies, and Policies
in: Let Food Be Your Medicine, and Medicine Be Your Food: Scientific Insights into the Healing Power of Nutrition, NOVA Publications , pp.65-80, 2026
- Publication Type: Book Chapter / Chapter Research Book
- Publication Date: 2026
- Publisher: NOVA Publications
- Page Numbers: pp.65-80
- Keywords: dietary patterns, noncommunicable diseases, nutrition, nutrition policies, public health
- Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) represent one of the most pressing public health challenges at both global and national levels. Unhealthy dietary habits are a major underlying cause of many chronic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. Excessive intake of salt, free sugars, saturated and trans fats, along with insufficient consumption of fiber and protective nutrients, are among the primary dietary risk factors for NCDs. Western-type dietary patterns contribute to disease development through mechanisms such as inflammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and unfavorable alterations in the gut microbiota, whereas Mediterranean, DASH, and plant-based dietary patterns exert protective effects due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Evidence from global and national studies indicates that nutrition-based interventions hold strong potential for reducing the burden of NCDs. Policies such as front-of-pack labeling, restrictions on food marketing, school food standards, product reformulation, and taxation serve as cost-effective tools to promote healthier eating behaviors. In Turkey, initiatives such as salt and sugar reduction programs, diabetes control strategies, and food labeling regulations have emerged as significant steps in this regard. Nevertheless, the dissemination of sustainable and culturally adapted dietary models remains essential for achieving long-term success in combating NCDs. This chapter explores the relationship between nutrition and NCDs from multiple perspectives, including biological mechanisms, protective dietary patterns, and policy approaches.