Science · Health Science
Diet and Disease — Reading Comprehension Lesson
Reading comprehension passage and printable worksheet about how diet choices affect health and the risk of disease — for grades 3–6.
Subject
Science
Grade Level
Grades 3–6
Lesson Length
30–45 minutes
Format
Lesson page + printable PDF
Reading Passage
Diet and Disease
What you eat every day has a powerful effect on your health. Food gives your body the energy and nutrients it needs to grow, fight illness, and work properly. When people make poor food choices over a long period of time, they increase their risk of developing serious health problems. Scientists and doctors have found strong connections between diet and many common diseases.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Eating too much saturated fat — found in fatty meats, butter, and many packaged foods — can raise the level of cholesterol in the blood. High cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to build up inside blood vessels, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help protect the heart.
Type 2 diabetes is another disease linked to diet. It occurs when the body has trouble controlling blood sugar levels. Eating too many sugary foods and drinks and refined carbohydrates can contribute to this condition over time. Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet with plenty of fiber can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Obesity — carrying too much body fat — is itself a risk factor for many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Obesity is often caused by consuming more calories than the body uses. Choosing smaller portions, eating less processed food, and staying physically active are all important ways to maintain a healthy weight.
Eating a healthy diet does not mean giving up all the foods you enjoy. The key is balance — eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins most of the time while limiting sugar, saturated fat, and highly processed foods. Small, consistent choices can make a big difference in long-term health and reduce the risk of preventable disease.
Printable Worksheet
Printable PDF · 4 pages
Diet and Disease Reading Comprehension Worksheet
Printable worksheet includes the reading passage and comprehension questions about how diet and nutrition choices affect health and disease risk. Includes answer key.
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