Prevention of chronic diseases

Different fruits and vegetables provide different fibres, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. These nutrients support normal body functions and may help protect cells and reduce risks associated with some chronic diseases. They are not a guaranteed cure or complete prevention for cancer, and preparation matters. A varied intake is therefore recommended as one part of an overall healthy lifestyle, making A correct.

Oils are energy-dense, so using measured amounts helps control total energy and fat intake. Repeated heating can degrade oil and may produce undesirable compounds; therefore fresh oil used appropriately is preferable to repeatedly reheated oil. Health also depends on the type of fat and the whole diet. Excess oil, deep-frying and replacing oil with sugar are not healthy strategies. A is correct.

Excessive screen use is often associated with prolonged sitting, reduced movement, poor sleep and mindless snacking. Reducing screen time can create opportunities for walking, sports, exercise, social interaction and better sleep. These behaviours support healthy weight, glucose regulation and cardiovascular health. It does not provide nutrients and should not reduce sleep, so A is the correct answer.

A food diary records what a person eats, how much is eaten, when it is eaten and sometimes the reason for eating. Reviewing the record can reveal large portions, frequent snacking, irregular meals or emotional eating. This self-monitoring information supports realistic changes in meal planning and portion control. It does not automatically change metabolism, remove food groups or replace exercise. A is correct.

Unsweetened lemon water provides hydration without the large added-sugar load of soda or a sweet shake. If prepared without added salt, it also avoids unnecessary sodium, which is relevant to blood-pressure management. It is not a treatment by itself; overall sodium intake, balanced food, physical activity and medical advice remain important. Among the choices, A is the better option.

Each spoon of added sugar contributes energy but little or no fibre, protein or micronutrients. When very sweet tea is consumed repeatedly, the extra sugar can substantially increase daily energy intake and may contribute to weight gain, dental caries and poorer blood-glucose control. The exact effect depends on quantity and the rest of the diet, but A correctly identifies the likely problem.

Active breaks interrupt prolonged sitting and may include standing, walking, stretching or climbing stairs. Repeated short periods of movement increase daily activity and can support circulation, energy expenditure, healthy weight and metabolic health. They do not mean skipping meals, suppressing sleep or reducing hydration. Active breaks are one practical part of a physically active lifestyle, so A is correct.

Family history can increase susceptibility to type 2 diabetes, but it does not make the disease inevitable. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a fibre-rich balanced diet, being physically active and attending appropriate check-ups can help identify and reduce modifiable risk factors. Sugary drinks, inactivity and removing vegetables work against prevention. Therefore, option A is the best complete behaviour.

Nuts provide unsaturated fats, plant protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, depending on the type. These nutrients can support heart health when nuts replace less healthy snacks. However, nuts are energy-dense, and salted or sugar-coated varieties may add excess sodium or sugar, so portions and preparation matter. They are not a water substitute or a cure for every disease. A is correct.

Soluble fibre from oats, barley, pulses, beans and some fruits can bind bile acids in the intestine. Less bile acid is then reabsorbed, so the liver uses more cholesterol from the bloodstream to make new bile acids; this can help reduce LDL cholesterol. Fibre does not block absorption of all fat or remove blood proteins. Therefore, A is correct.

Regular check-ups and appropriate screening can identify raised blood pressure, abnormal blood glucose, unhealthy weight changes and other risk factors before symptoms become obvious. Early awareness allows timely counselling, lifestyle changes or treatment. Screening cannot guarantee prevention for every person and does not replace exercise or a balanced diet. Its main value is early detection and management, making A correct.

Diet supplies energy and nutrients, while physical activity uses energy and supports muscles, cardiovascular function and insulin sensitivity. Together they influence energy balance, body weight, blood glucose, blood pressure and blood lipids. Depending only on diet or only on exercise may leave important risks unaddressed. A comprehensive lifestyle combines both, so option A is correct.

Chronic-disease prevention is strongest when several protective behaviours are combined: a balanced diet, regular physical activity, healthy weight, adequate sleep, avoidance of tobacco and appropriate health screening. Medicines may be necessary for some people, but they do not replace lifestyle care. Fried processed foods and routinely skipping meals are unsafe strategies. Thus, the comprehensive message in A is correct.

Home preparation allows a person to measure salt and oil, use fresh ingredients, add vegetables and pulses, and avoid excessive processed seasoning. Lower sodium intake is important because excess sodium can contribute to fluid retention and raised blood pressure. Home food is not automatically healthy, but its ingredients and cooking method are easier to control. Therefore, A is correct.

Advance meal planning supports balanced portions and makes healthy choices available when hunger occurs. It can reduce impulsive selection of fried, sugary, salty, or highly processed foods and encourages vegetables, whole grains, pulses, and suitable water intake. Over time, this pattern helps control body weight, blood glucose, blood pressure, and cardiovascular risk.

Cream-rich and sugar-rich sweets are usually energy-dense and may contain substantial amounts of saturated fat and added sugar while providing little fibre. Frequent or large portions can promote excess energy intake, weight gain, unhealthy blood lipids, and poor blood-glucose control. Limiting them supports prevention of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Gradual changes in eating, activity, sleep, and stress management are more realistic than sudden extreme restrictions. Small improvements can become part of everyday routine, improving adherence and long-term sustainability. Consistent habits can lower risks related to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, whereas drastic plans are often abandoned.

Low-fat milk can provide important nutrients such as calcium and protein while supplying less fat and energy than whole milk. It may be useful for a person who needs to moderate total or saturated fat intake, especially as part of an overall balanced diet. The exact choice should consider age, nutritional needs, medical conditions, and professional advice; low-fat milk does not remove calcium.

A family history increases the likelihood of diabetes, but it does not make diabetes inevitable. Periodic screening can identify abnormal blood glucose early, while a balanced diet, healthy weight, regular physical activity and medical guidance can reduce risk. Completely removing carbohydrates is unnecessary and may create nutritional imbalance; therefore, option A is the most scientific choice.

Fruits and vegetables are important sources of dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals and many protective phytochemicals. Eating too few may reduce antioxidant and micronutrient intake, weaken dietary fibre supply and make a protective eating pattern less likely. They should be included regularly in suitable portions as part of a varied diet; option A correctly identifies the likely nutritional lack.

Insufficient sleep can disturb hormones that regulate hunger and fullness, influence food preferences, reduce energy for physical activity and affect glucose metabolism. Over time, these changes may contribute to excess calorie intake, weight gain and higher risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Adequate sleep is therefore one part of a complete prevention plan, alongside diet, activity and screening.

Many packaged snacks are energy-dense and may contain considerable sodium, added sugar, saturated fat or industrial trans fat, even when the portion looks small. Frequent intake can contribute to excess calories, raised blood pressure, unhealthy blood lipids and metabolic risk. Reading the nutrition label, comparing products and choosing minimally processed foods are practical preventive steps, so A is correct.

Gradual change allows a person to set realistic goals, practise one habit at a time and adjust the routine without excessive stress. Examples include replacing sugary drinks, increasing walking and adding vegetables step by step. Habits that fit daily life are more likely to continue, producing lasting benefits for weight, blood pressure and metabolic health. Therefore, A is the practical answer.

Pickles, salty snacks, papad, sauces and many packaged foods can provide substantial sodium. Excess sodium may promote fluid retention and make blood-pressure control more difficult in susceptible people. Reducing these foods, reading labels and choosing fresh, less-salted foods are appropriate measures, while prescribed treatment and professional advice must continue. Fruits, vegetables and safe activity should not be stopped without medical reason.

Physical activity improves fitness, insulin sensitivity, circulation, mood and energy balance, but it cannot reliably remove excess sodium, added sugar or unhealthy fats from a poor eating pattern. A diet may also lack fibre, vitamins and minerals even when a person exercises. Chronic disease prevention therefore requires both regular activity and a balanced, varied diet, along with other suitable habits.