IndexAbstractIntroductionLiterature reviewDefinition of atherosclerotic diseaseEffects of a healthy dietFood/drink General resultsMethodResultsDiscussionConclusionReferencesAbstractThis research aims to evaluate the effects of a healthy diet and exercise in the diagnosis of atherosclerotic disease among children aged between 10 and 15 years. The researcher used a quantitative model to collect data from 400 students through questionnaires and interviews. Notably, 90% of the surveys were filled out correctly, while the rest did not meet the criteria. Furthermore, 94% of the interviews were successful. After the research was conducted, of the population sample, 10% of the participants were obese due to poor eating habits. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayThe remaining 90% were of average weight, of which 76% preferred fruits and vegetables, while 14% preferred saturated fat foods and simple carbohydrates. This research has found that healthy eating habits and frequent exercise reduce the risk of developing atherosclerotic disease. Additionally, most causes of atherosclerotic disease can be prevented through regular exercise, a healthy diet, and a reduction in tobacco smoking. Introduction Atherosclerotic disease is a heart condition that occurs when fat, calcium, or cholesterol blocks the arteries. The buildup of plaque in the blood vessels reduces the size of the arteries and, as a result, decreases the amount of oxygen transported to various parts of the body. Atherosclerotic disease begins in early childhood and continues into adulthood. In particular, the condition is more prevalent among overweight and obese children. A sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits put people at greater risk of developing the disease. Research shows that 500,000 people die every year due to hardening of the arteries (Olišarová, Chloubová, Prokešová, Šedová, & Tóthová, 2019). Yu et al. (2016) also found that cardiovascular disease is the third leading cause of death globally. It is evident that 80% of these deaths occur in developing countries due to poor nutrition, excessive smoking and a sedentary lifestyle. It is therefore essential that all nations allocate resources to address health problems across all ages and combat cardiovascular disease. Proper nutrition reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and strengthens the immune system. Parents should monitor their children's diet because atherosclerotic disease peaks in childhood and progresses into adulthood. Maintaining a healthy weight is also another way to prevent cardiovascular disease. Obesity and being overweight increase the rate of development of the condition because excessive weight increases blood pressure and causes diabetes. From this perspective, it is essential to understand the role of a healthy diet in children's well-being. A review of the effects of healthy eating habits in the diagnosis of atherosclerotic disease among children aged 10 to 15 years shows that a healthy diet, combined with regular exercise, reduces the risk of developing the condition. Literature Review Definition of Atherosclerotic Disease Atherosclerotic disease is a heart disease that is caused by the buildup of plaque in the blood arteries. The plague blocks the arteries, gradually narrowing the diameter of the blood vessels. The heart, therefore, has to work harder to supply oxygen to the various organs of the body, thus causing hypertension, stroke andtype 2 diabetes (Stanner, 2008). Patients with atherosclerotic disease can develop complications, but the severity depends on the location of the plaque. For example, if it is near the heart, it increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease, which causes angina and heart attacks. Peripheral artery disease is a complication caused by a blockage of the arteries near the legs and arms, which leads to insensitivity to cold and heat. For these reasons, atherosclerotic disease is caused by the presence of high cholesterol in the blood vessels, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. Inflammation caused by other conditions such as arthritis can also cause atherosclerotic disease. However, atherosclerotic disease can be controlled through lifestyle and dietary changes. A healthy diet, moderate and regular exercise, and maintaining an adequate body weight help in the prevention and management of atherosclerotic disease. Effects of a healthy diet Diet is one of the ways to prevent cardiovascular diseases by following the recommendations of scientists and doctors. Children tend to overconsume fast food and drinks because they want food as soon as they ask for it. They develop more weight and over time become overweight and obese. The effects of overweight and obesity can cause atherosclerotic disease. It is therefore essential to change the diet that children consume early enough. The Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of developing atherosclerotic disease. Initially adopted by Italians, the diet includes fruits, vegetables, olive oil, legumes and unprocessed cereals (Novak et al., 2017). It also includes low to moderate consumption of fish, medium consumption of wine and dairy products, and low consumption of red meat. The diet is recommended as it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Excessive intake of saturated fat increases low-density lipoprotein and, therefore, increases the risk of developing atherosclerotic disease. According to Blekkenhorst et al. (2015), saturated fat increases low-density lipoprotein (LDL) compared to all other nutrients. LDL particles cause atherosclerotic disease. Therefore, it is advisable to reduce your overall intake of fatty fats. Carbohydrates have sparked differing opinions about their effects on the heart. Specifically, they are classified as simple or complex, depending on the chemical components of the food. Research, however, shows that some complex carbohydrates contain more sugar than simple ones (Bland, 2018). Therefore, carbohydrates are classified based on their glycemic level. By using the glycemic index value, people can know the contents of carbohydrates and their effects on the body. Intake of sugars with a high glycemic index increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly atherosclerotic disease. Yu et al. (2016) note that the risk is greater in obese and overweight women than in men because the former have high insulin resistance. Obese and overweight women are advised to eat low-glycemic carbohydrates and foods rich in fiber. In addition to avoiding fatty foods, it is prudent to consume a high-fiber diet as it reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerotic disease. Micronutrients such as vitamins E and C are instrumental in reducing the risk of atherosclerotic disease. Research shows that when vitamins E and C are taken through supplements, they reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular conditions in healthy populations, but do not reduce the risk in other high-risk populations (Bland, 2018). Vitamin B6 is associated with a lower risk of atherosclerotic diseases, while calcium reduces the risk of stroke butnot atherosclerotic disease. Dietary magnesium also reduces the chance of developing atherosclerotic disease. A study by Ali and Shahid (2016) found that dietary magnesium reduces the risk of cardiac death but does not reduce the risk of developing stroke. For these reasons, a greater intake of these vitamins reduces the risk of atherosclerotic disease. Plant-derived compounds also play a significant role in improving health. For example, consumption of carotenoids and flavonoids reduces the risk of atherosclerosis (Ali & Shahid, 2016). These plant compounds can be extracted from berries and citrus fruits. The compounds, however, do not reduce the risk of suffering a stroke. Some daily drinks help control atherosclerotic disease. Coffee, for example, is common in the United States, especially during the winter. A study by Olišarová et al. (2019) shows that consuming 3-5 cups of coffee per day reduces the risk of developing atherosclerotic disease and the risk of cardiovascular death. Previous studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption increases the risk of cardiovascular mortality (Shah, 2017). However, recent studies have shown no relationship between high risk of atherosclerotic disease and coffee consumption. Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with an increase in cardiovascular disease. Yu et al. (2016) state that low to medium alcohol consumption is linked to lower risks of developing myocardial infarction, hypertension and sudden cardiac arrest. Drinks with added sugars increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Stanner (2008) note that drinking beverages with added sugars increases body weight and the risk of type 2 diabetes. The effects on heart health are harmful and associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic disease. Food/Drink General Results Saturated fats: Increase the risk of developing atherosclerotic disease. Carbohydrates: a high glycemic index value increases the risk of developing atherosclerotic disease. Alcohol: moderate consumption reduces the risk of atherosclerotic disease Coffee: reduces the risk of developing atherosclerotic disease. Vitamin C and E: Regular intake reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease Fruits and vegetables: Reduces the risk of developing atherosclerotic disease Ceratoids and flavonoids: Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease Method The study population included 200 students from four schools. Random sampling was used to eliminate possible bias. However, in some cases, the researcher carefully selected students to ensure a balance between average-weight, obese, and overweight children. The researcher explained the purpose of the study and asked the sample population to sign consent forms. In particular, 96% of the sampled population agreed to participate in the survey. They then filled out questionnaires about their diet, including how often they consumed certain foods, drinks and fruit. The researcher also involved the participants in interviews to acquire information that had been left out in the questionnaires. Data was then recorded, coded, and analyzed using SPSS. The researcher then interpreted the data and provided recommendations. Results In particular, 10% of participants were obese or overweight, while 90% were of average weight. Overweight children reported preferring fast foods such as burgers, chips and drinks with added sugars, while 20% of children at a healthy weight preferred fruits and vegetables due to their parents' strict rules. Additionally, 70% preferred fast food but had a low preference for fruits and vegetables. Obese and overweight children have reported cases of breathing difficultyand quickly tired while performing simple tasks such as washing, sweeping, and walking, whereas children at a healthy weight reported performing simple tasks comfortably. Additionally, 76% of children consumed coffee as their main drink. drinks in their homes, while 10% consumed dairy products such as milk. Specifically, 14% of participants used both coffee and milk. 50% of participants eat foods rich in fiber, while 30% prefer foods without fiber. The remaining 20% ​​are unable to distinguish foods rich in fiber from those low in fibre. Discussion Obesity and overweight increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. They are caused by a sedentary lifestyle and the consumption of high glycemic index carbohydrates. Consumption of sugary foods, combined with reduced activity levels, increases body weight, which ultimately leads to obesity. Obesity then increases blood pressure, which can trigger cardiac arrest and atherosclerosis (Xu and Xue, 2016). The condition also reduces children's ability to carry out daily activities as they tire easily, even on simple tasks. These conditions increase the risk of developing atherosclerotic disease, especially in young people. Many people do not consume foods high in fiber, as their importance is mostly overlooked. A high-fiber diet reduces the risk of atherosclerotic disease. From the results, a significant percentage of the children failed to differentiate high-fiber foods from those without fiber. Therefore, it is essential to create awareness among children too. Conclusion Eating habits are directly linked to heart health. Poor nutritional habits lead to obesity and overweight, which are risk factors for coronary heart disease. Excessive intake of carbohydrates with a high glycemic index value increases the risk of developing atherosclerotic disease. Regular intake of vegetables, fruits and nuts reduces the risk of suffering from this condition. Furthermore, it is evident that the consumption of saturated fatty foods increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, low consumption of alcohol, drinks with added sugars and drinks with low sugar levels decreases the risk of developing atherosclerotic disease. From this research it is clear that 87% of the causes of atherosclerotic disease can be prevented by adopting a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle such as regular exercise and reducing smoking. The results of the study will help raise awareness about the effects of diets on the prevention of atherosclerotic disease. As a result, fewer resources will be used in treating these conditions. Furthermore, it will reduce mortality caused by heart disease. This study had several limitations that reduced the applicability of the findings. For example, the researcher was unable to determine whether obese and overweight children had other underlying causes of weight change, such as genes and hormonal imbalance. Furthermore, the authenticity of the questionnaires was not guaranteed. The children may have lied about the foods they ate and preferred. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Cardiovascular diseases are prevalent in adolescents and children due to obesity and overweight. The data will be used by stakeholders, such as healthcare professionals, to prevent cardiovascular diseases among children and adolescents. The government will also use the information to plan for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Teachers and parents should also use the study findings to make healthy food choices and emphasize training sessions.2016.303316.