Numbers Game: Answer

The world renowned Framingham study concluded that a 2 point decrease in BMI reduces the risk of developing osteoarthritis (a loss of cartilage) in the knee by approximately 50 percent.

(NOTE: Using a 5 foot, 10 inch tall man weighing 190 pounds as an example, a 2 point decrease in BMI is achieved by losing 10 pounds.)

According to World Health Organization statistics, osteoarthritis is the fourth leading cause of disability in the world.

The research literature clearly identifies obesity as the most influential factor in the development -- and subsequent progression -- of this condition.

One of the more problematic aspects of osteoarthritis is that it makes implementation of most sorts of physical activity and movement significantly challenging, thereby adding more difficulty to weight loss efforts.

Numbers Game: Answer

According to statistics from the World Health Organization, low intake of fruits and vegetables is estimated to be the major factor behind 19 percent of gastrointestinal cancer cases and 31 percent of ischaemic heart disease in the world.

In their World Health Report -- a highly reputable summary of several facets of global health, including nutrition -- The World Health Organization specifies that "low fruit and vegetable intake is among the top 10 risk factors contributing to attributable mortality."

This 2002 Danish study published in Public Health Nutrition goes further into detail on this matter.

This is why I like to think of meeting your daily vegetable servings as a contribution to your nutritional retirement account!

The earlier you start and the more you contribute to it, the better off you are more likely to be in your later years.