Support Your Heart and Overall Health with Strauss Naturals
At Strauss Naturals, we believe that a healthy heart and body start with natural, time-tested remedies. Our expertly formulated herbal solutions are designed to support cardiovascular wellness and overall well-being, helping you take control of your health naturally.
The American diet has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent decades. Ultra-processed foods, oversized portions, and high sugar and salt consumption have replaced nutrient-dense, whole-food diets. This shift has resulted in a public health crisis, with chronic diseases accounting for seven out of ten deaths in the United States.
Heart Disease
- Prevalence: Heart disease affects 11.2% of U.S. adults, rising to 37.3% in individuals aged 75 and older. It remains the leading cause of death.
- Mortality: Heart disease causes over 702,880 deaths annually, equating to a death rate of 210.9 per 100,000 people. If current trends continue, 61% of adults are projected to have cardiovascular disease by 2050.
- Dietary Contribution: High consumption of sodium, trans fats, and added sugars, alongside low fruit and vegetable intake, exacerbates the risk of heart disease.
Cancer
- Prevalence: 1.78 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
- Mortality: Cancer is the second leading cause of death, responsible for 595,930 deaths annually.
- Dietary Contribution: Research indicates that 40% of cancer cases are linked to preventable behaviors such as smoking, inactivity, and diets high in ultra-processed foods and red or processed meats. Conversely, diets rich in antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients are protective.
Diabetes
- Prevalence: Approximately 29.3 million Americans have diabetes, with another 9.7 million undiagnosed cases. Additionally, 115.9 million Americans are living with prediabetes.
- Mortality: Diabetes directly causes 71,000 deaths annually, contributing to 160,000 additional deaths through complications such as cardiovascular disease and kidney failure.
- Dietary Contribution: High sugar consumption, refined carbohydrates, and ultra-processed foods drive the development of Type 2 diabetes and exacerbate insulin resistance.
Obesity
- Prevalence: Obesity affects 42.4% of U.S. adults, making it one of the most significant public health challenges.
- Impact: Obesity is a primary risk factor for metabolic disorders, including Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease.
- Dietary Contribution: Excess calorie intake from ultra-processed foods, sugary beverages, and energy-dense snacks is a primary contributor to the obesity epidemic.
The Role of Ultra-Processed Foods
Brazilian researcher Carlos Monteiro introduced the concept of ultra-processed foods—industrial products with added sugars, fats, and synthetic additives. Unlike minimally processed foods, these are designed to be hyper-palatable, cheap, and convenient, encouraging overconsumption. Studies show:
- People eating ultra-processed foods consume an average of 500 more calories per day, leading to weight gain and metabolic imbalances.
- These foods disrupt the gut microbiome, a crucial factor in immune health and chronic disease prevention.
Economic and Social Costs
- Chronic diseases linked to poor diet account for $1.1 trillion annually in healthcare costs and lost productivity.
- Lower-income populations are disproportionately affected due to limited access to affordable, healthy food options and higher reliance on ultra-processed foods.
Path to Improvement
To combat this epidemic, systemic changes are required:
- Policy Interventions: Regulating added sugar and salt in foods, taxing sugary beverages, and mandating clearer food labeling.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the population on the dangers of ultra-processed foods and the benefits of whole, nutrient-dense diets.
- Access to Healthy Foods: Expanding programs like SNAP to include incentives for purchasing fresh produce and implementing food deserts’ mitigation strategies.
Call to Action
Together, we can shift the narrative around nutrition, prevent chronic diseases, and improve public health outcomes.
Take Control of Your Health with Strauss Naturals
Your heart and overall health deserve the best natural support. Strauss Naturals offers expertly formulated herbal remedies designed to promote cardiovascular wellness, support healthy circulation, and support a healthy lifestyle. By combining science with nature, we create powerful, time-tested solutions that help you take charge of your well-being.
Explore our heart health solutions and start your journey toward better health today!