An Anthology of Psychiatric Ethics

A quick way to read the percent values is to use the 5/20 rule. It says that if the %daily value is less than 5%, there is a low amount of nutrient while if the Daily value is more than20%, theirs a high amount of this nutrient. Undernutrition and overnutrition can be dangerous in the body (Stephen A. Green, p. 486). The 5/20 rule can be used to prevent malnutrition. Some categories listed on the food label should be taken and consumed in lesser amounts, such as sodium while others are required to be increased in the level of intake. This includes foods rich in fiber and vitamins.

Two most chronic diseases that can be caused by malnutrition are cancer and heart diseases. These chronic diseases cause a high number of deaths all over the world. They are both aggravated by obesity which is a form of malnutrition that can be controlled by simply following the 5/20 rule to guide your food intake.

For heat diseases, one would want to avoid sodium and saturated fat than what is recommended. A person with heart disease should have a 5% or less when it comes to the Daily Value of saturated fat and sodium to accommodate heart diseases. It is advisable to have more nutritious foods. A person should aim for 20% or more of the Daily value of important nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, and fiber.  In cases of diabetes, a person should consume fewer of fats, sugar, and salt. This will be 5% or less of DV of fat and sugar. The level of nutrients should be 20% or more on the DV in essential nutrients such as fiber, minerals, and vitamins.

References

Stephen A. Green, S. B. ( 2006). An Anthology of Psychiatric Ethics. Oxford University Press.