Thursday, April 5, 2007
Centuries of studies have shown that food affects one’s health and state of being.
The old aphorisms “you are what you eat” and “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” suggest that diet, health and attitude are directly linked. Obesity is at epidemic proportions in our nation, but other rampant and potentially deadly illnesses, including type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and a large number of cancers, are also directly related to the foods that we eat.
Although exact relations between foods and health conditions are hazy, it’s better to err on the side of healthfulness. For a safer diet, here are some tips to follow:
nutgraf
— Buy organic. If spending an extra dollar or two is feasible, splurge on the organic products. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) often contain harmful toxins from pesticides, hormones and antibiotics, as well as fewer nutrients and anti-oxidants than organic products.
— Read the labels! If a product has a foot-long list of ingredients, it’s probably a no-go. Unpronounceable ingredients are generally artificial junk that the body detests.
— Avoid “bad” fats. Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils can be dangerous, particularly in large amounts, and both increase cancer and diabetes risk. To avoid these fats, replace margarine with olive oil and go light on meats.
— Limit sweets and use unrefined sugar when possible. Processed sugar suppresses the immune system and is linked to cancer, premature aging, heart disease, diabetes and increased cholesterol.
— Load up on antioxidants and cancer-fighting goodies. Fruits, berries, veggies, tea and coffee (as well as dark chocolate and red wine) are all excellent sources of antioxidants, which lessen the damage of free radicals, unstable molecules that damage healthy cells. The National Institute for Cancer Research also lists beans, dark leafy vegetables, flaxseed, garlic, green tea, soy food, tomatoes and yogurt as important foods with varied cancer-combating properties.
— Buy organic. If spending an extra dollar or two is feasible, splurge on the organic products. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) often contain harmful toxins from pesticides, hormones and antibiotics, as well as fewer nutrients and anti-oxidants than organic products.
— Don’t get sloshed. Contrary to what many believe, alcohol and the body are not good friends. Numerous health organizations — including the World Health Organization and the National Cancer Institute — link heavy alcohol consumption with numerous types of cancers. For those who like a cigarette while drinking, beware: several studies suggest that simultaneous use of alcohol and cigarettes cause cancer risk to skyrocket.
— Be balanced. In general, moderation is a good policy. Occasional splurges on fats, sugars or alcohol are OK but these things shouldn’t be frequently consumed. If this advice is overwhelming, try slow immersion. Once or twice a week, replace greasy pizza with salad or sushi. Try fruit instead of a candy bar or juice instead of soda. In an environment overflowing with fast food, these small dietary changes may prevent harmful or deadly illnesses.
— Alison Kieler for the editorial board.
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