Nutritional, or dietary modifications, are changes that are made in the preparation and consumption of the food we eat, to increase our intake of micronutrients, and decrease micronutrient deficiencies. An example of a nutritional modification is increasing the consumption of iron-rich foods that contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which helps to increase the amount of iron absorbed by the body. Another example of a nutritional modification is reducing the consumption of coffee and tea, as they both inhibit the body’s absorption of iron. Learning to make informed food choices, and developing and maintaining healthy eating, and physical habits can have dramatic effects on all aspects of life, and will dramatically reduce the risks of developing long-term health conditions. For example, excessive weight can lead to multiple adverse health conditions such as: • Coronary heart disease • Stroke • Type 2 diabetes • Osteoarthritis • Sleep apnea • Several forms of cancer