Food for Health
Americans have access to massive quantities or information in the area of nutrition, yet as a nation, we suffer from a variety of ailments which can often be improved (or even eliminated) with nutritional changes. Scientific research shows evidence that eating right is the best medicine.
Not Just An Old Wives' Tale
For centuries, every culture has used food as a natural
remedy for ailments. From Grandma's chicken soup for
a cold (which has been reported by the highly respected
New England Journal of Medicine as a decongestant) to
garlic (which is currently used to lower blood pressure
and boost the immune system), various foods have been
used to successfully treat a wide range of the conditions
that ail us.
An Apple A Day . . .
Coronary heart disease is the number one cause of death
in the United States for both men and women. Arteriosclerosis
(hardening of the arteries) reduces the flow of blood,
oxygen, and nutrients necessary for the heart to function
efficiently, resulting in heart attack. A number of
factors contribute to this deadly disease, but keeping
cholesterol levels low decreases risk.
Foods high in pectin, such as grapefruit, apples, and oranges, can lower LDL cholesterol levels. Antioxidants fight free-radical damage, so fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium slow down the process of cell damage in an effort to prevent heart disease.
Cancer is another killer disease that may be greatly reduced with dietary changes. Research has shown a drop in most types of cancer by drastically reducing fat consumption (especially animal fat) and increasing consumption of fiber and complex carbohydrates. Again, it is anti-oxidants that play an important role in retarding the cancer process.
Osteoporosis is another condition that can be approached with healing foods. During menopause, calcium levels drop and estrogen production slows down creating thin, fragile bones that break easily.
Low-fat dairy products, green leafy vegetables, soy products, whole grains, nuts and seeds are excellent sources of minerals needed to help maintain calcium levels.
Many other conditions, including hypertension, arthritis, asthma, digestive disorders, migraine headaches, and depression, may be improved or eliminated through careful nutritional assessment and adjustments in diet.
Who Do I Listen To?
It is wise to be a careful consumer of knowledge as
well as of products. When checking out nutritional information,
be sure to check out the source as well. Or better yet,
get two or three opinions.
Ask for credentials. Do you recognize the institution? If they overemphasize supplements, or sell them directly, that's a red flag.
"If you don't have your health, you don't have
anything"
It's an old adage but it is very true. So, what's ailing
you? It may be related to your diet. Eat wisely to improve
your chances of living a long healthy life.
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