The World Health Organization has identified a global epidemic of killer diseases in the world. If these diseases have the attention of the World Health Organization, then chances are that these diseases are most likely found in the third world, right?

Unfortunately for those who live in developed nations, this is not the case, and they are just as likely to fall victim to these diseases as someone in a third world country. Good nutrition can help prevent 65% of all diseases. Even for all the advantages that a developed nation has, a lot of their citizens can have poor eating habits that make them not much better off than their third world neighbors. Regardless of the quantity of those poor nutrition foods, their bodies are starving and malnourished in a different way.

The number one killer disease that the WHO has identified is cardiovascular disease. While a large number of diseases are linked to tobacco usage, the other high risk factors are physical inactivity and poor nutrition. In "The Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke" published by the WHO, low fruit and vegetable intake and high saturated fat intake, is identified as a major modifiable risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease.

"Modifiable" means that this is a controllable factor. In developed countries, we should be grateful that we have the opportunity and means to have access to the types of foods that our bodies need in order to stay healthy. Radiant health is the reward for good, sound nutritional practices. In a third world country, there is not always the same level of access to the variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and healthy fat sources that we are fortunate enough to have. Think of your local supermarket and the range of choices available to you, and you know that this is a good thing. Keep in mind, the one making these choices is ultimately you, and even if you've never made the healthy choices before, there is no reason to not start on your very next grocery trip.

In the vast majority of cases, coronary artery disease is the result of fatty plaque building up over time and narrowing the walls of an artery. A blockage in one of the main arteries to the heart signals the heart to not demand so much blood be pumped to it - oxygen-rich blood that the heart depends on. However, without oxygen, parts of the heart begin to shut down. If blood flow is cut off to a part of your heart, that section will die and a heart attack occurs.

Excessive blood fat and cholesterol, which are culprits in the shutting off of arteries, are generally preventable through whole food nutrition. Even those with a genetic and metabolic disposition can help themselves by following a sound nutritional plan. A lot of people live with a "not me" outlook on life, and only make a change when forced. Some never get the opportunity to make those changes to increase their longevity, dying before they have the option. Others figure an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Which camp would you prefer to be in?

If you want to be proactive, choose foods that are low fat, rich in good fats, high fiber, and high in antioxidants. It is a quality of life issue to do everything in your power to feel your best and to also prevent diseases that are within your control to keep at bay. Ask anyone with heart disease what they wish they had done differently, and most would agree that taking care of themselves before it got to the debilitating stage and they still had an option would have been first and foremost on their agenda.

Refined foods, processed foods, fast foods - all seem a quick and easy solution for a busy lifestyle. The reality is that they are a quick and easy solution to steal away your very vitality. Choose whole foods and vibrant health, and enjoy the life that you were meant to lead.