Conditions & lifestyle

Fruit and vegetables contain few calories and are rich in nutrients. They have many health benefits and are associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases.

Oily fish is an important source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids play an essential role in various processes within the body.

The mineral sodium in (cooking) salt has the effect of increasing blood pressure. You can cut down your salt intake by eating fewer processed meals and ready meals.

Processed meat is meat that has been smoked, cured or dried, usually to increase its shelf life. Over the past few years it has become increasingly clear that processed meat products have a negative impact on health.

It is important to maintain both your calcium and vitamin D levels, as both are important for keeping bones and teeth strong.

The ‘Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension’ (DASH) diet has been proven to lower blood pressure.

Liquorice (and liquorice tea) contains glycyrrhizin. This substance, which gives liquorice its characteristic taste, has the effect of increasing blood pressure.

Nuts contain many different nutrients and are a source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. Eating a handful of nuts every day has positive health effects.

The term ‘pulses’ includes beans, lentils, peas and peanuts. Pulses are rich in healthy nutrients.

Potassium is an important mineral which, amongst other things, is involved in regulating your fluid balance and blood pressure. It is recommended that you consume at least 3 to 4 grams of potassium each day.

Magnesium plays a role in bone formation, in the actions of a large number of enzymes and in the transfer of impulses in muscles and nerves.

Dairy products are a source of protein, vitamins and minerals and are associated with various health effects. Full-fat dairy products contain relatively high levels of saturated fat.

A Mediterranean diet is characterised by plenty of vegetables and fruit, olive oil, pulses, wholegrain products, nuts, fish and lean meat (such as chicken). It is regarded as one of the healthiest diets.

Cocoa contains what are known as flavonoids. These are strong antioxidants that have a beneficial effect on blood vessels.

Dairy products are a source of protein, vitamins and minerals and are associated with various health effects.

Red meat comes from cows, pigs, sheep and game, amongst others. Eating red meat is associated with a number of health risks, for various reasons.

Sugar is a flavour enhancer as well as a sweetener, filler and preservative. As a result, many products contain hidden sugar and people often unknowingly consume too much of it.

Generally speaking, trans fats have harmful health effects. Trans fats are worse for our health than saturated fats.

Burnt or charred meat can carry health risks.

Saturated fats have long had a negative image, as excessive intake can raise cholesterol levels. However, moderate consumption fits into a healthy diet.

Fibre is the part of plants that your body cannot digest, or can only partially digest. Fibre has a number of positive health effects.

Vitamin B is a collective name for 8 different vitamins, the most important of which are B6, B9 (folic acid) and B12. These vitamins play a role in growth, blood production, the immune system and the nervous system.

Vitamin K (made up of the variants K1 and K2) is important for effective blood clotting.

Antioxidants are substances that are naturally present in fruit and vegetables. They protect the body against harmful particles (free radicals), which can be produced during all kinds of processes.

The effect of alcohol on your health depends on your drinking pattern and your average (daily) alcohol consumption. If you drink more than 1 glass per day (women) or 2 glasses per day (men), the risk of various diseases increases by 15 to 20%.

There are indications that coffee and tea can have positive health effects. No demonstrable negative effects are found in healthy people who drink around 4 cups of coffee a day.

Maintain your fluid balance by drinking sufficient water each day. Water is a healthy thirst-quencher and does not contain any calories.

Caffeine can be found in coffee and, to a lesser extent, in tea. Both positive and negative health effects have been described for caffeine.

Hot drinks, such as coffee and tea, can damage tissues in the mouth, pharynx and oesophagus. By hot drinks we mean liquids that are hotter than 65 °C when drunk.

Physical exercise has a positive impact on your health. Generally speaking, at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day is recommended.

Tobacco smoke contains various substances that are damaging to health. It is always worth stopping smoking. Try to avoid passive smoking.

Relaxing regularly and taking brief moments to relax every day are good for your physical and mental health. By doing so, you can prevent or reduce stress.

If you weigh too much for your height, this is a risk to your health.

If you weigh too little for your height, this can be a risk to your health.

Keep your brain healthy by stimulating it in various ways, for example by learning new things, reading, doing puzzles, making music or keeping up social contacts.

Anxiety and depression are caused by a combination of factors and have a significant impact on daily life, both mentally and physically. Anxiety and depression are a risk factor for other conditions.

Breastfeeding is not only good for children; prolonged breastfeeding can also bring health benefits for the mother.

The contraceptive pill is a commonly used method of preventing pregnancy. The pill contains hormones that suppress women’s fertility.

With heartburn (also called reflux), some of the stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus. Over time, this can cause problems.

Exposure to sunlight is the body’s most important source of vitamin D. Having the right level of vitamin D in the blood is associated with a lower risk of death.

Air pollution is the presence of substances in the air that are harmful to health, such as particulates, soot, ozone, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.

Radon is a radioactive noble gas that is found in many building materials, such as bricks, natural stone and cement. As a result, the concentration of radon can build up in homes, but sufficient ventilation can reduce your exposure to radon.

The bowel cancer screening programme is offered by the government. Participation is voluntary and free of charge.

Aflatoxin is a natural toxin produced by moulds. It can be found in mouldy maize, peanuts, nuts, grains, pulses and dried fruit, and in products made from them.

Pesticides and plant protection products are used in agriculture and horticulture to combat fungal infections, pests, insects and weeds. Their use is subject to strict European and national regulations.

Inhaling loose asbestos fibres is a risk to your health. In the Netherlands, the use of asbestos has been completely banned since 1993, and exposure has declined as a result.

Silica is common in nature, including in the form of quartz. Quartz is found in various building materials, which means that exposure to silica is relatively high in the construction industry in particular.

The breast cancer screening programme is offered by the government. Participation is voluntary and free of charge.