People need certain forms of nutrition to maintain life and health. Everything needed to survive and flourish can be found in fresh, whole, organically-grown food. However, much of the food found in stores today has little nutritional value, while environmental pollution and modern-day stress makes a proper diet more important than ever. "What nutrients does my body need?" is most easily answered with foods and supplements like vitamins and minerals.
Researchers have proved that modern food supplies are less nutritious than those enjoyed by former generations. Mono-cropping, factory farming, and depletion of soils has lowered the nutritional value, as does long-term storage and transport of foods. The use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers has also made our food less wholesome and our health requirements higher.
Basically, the body needs protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as adequate water and exercise. Water is needed to provide the fluids in the body that aid in digestion of food and transportation of nutrients and wastes. Exercise helps the processes of metabolism, such as circulation of blood and lymph. Not all foods are equal in nutritional value, and a plentiful supply of calories does not constitute a good diet.
Fats, for instance, are often regarded as evils, but many are vital to development and energy production. Many important fats go rancid quickly, and all can be harmed by high heat during processing; good fats can turn into harmful toxins. Manufacturers routinely remove important elements like Omega-3 fatty acids, which shorten shelf life, and use altered fats to restore taste and texture. For this reason, health experts advise supplementation of essential fatty acids.
Many people in even affluent societies suffer from a lack of quality protein. People may limit meat, dairy, and eggs for weight-control purposes or because they have allergies. These important protein sources should be replaced by fish or high-protein vegetables like whole grains and greens. However, many lack the knowledge to plan a balanced diet and in consequence suffer from fatigue, a loss of mental acuity, brittle nails and hair, and other results of dietary insufficiency.
Carbohydrates are easy to get, since the store shelves are full of sugary foods, baked goods, candy bars, and breads. However, refined foods usually will not provide quality carbohydrates that the body can process easily and burn for sustained energy. Instead, these white flour and sugar products are hard to digest, cause undue weight gain, contribute to disorders like glucose intolerance and diabetes, and drain energy rather than producing it. Called 'empty calorie' foods, refined carbohydrates should be replaced by whole-grain products, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
The need for high-quality fat is often ignored by both health professionals and the general populace. Fish oil contains a kind of fat important for proper brain development and function, but most of the population of America is deficient in this nutrient. Good fats are found in wild, cold water fish, in extra-virgin olive oil, and in fresh nuts and seeds. Processing and testing to make sure fats are not tainted with environmental pollutants is important.
Organic, whole foods should be the basis of the daily diet, while supplements from reputable manufacturers can provide for gaps in nutrition caused by lack of time or access to fresh, locally-grown foods. Refined carbohydrates should be eliminated if health is to be achieved, maintained, or restored.
Researchers have proved that modern food supplies are less nutritious than those enjoyed by former generations. Mono-cropping, factory farming, and depletion of soils has lowered the nutritional value, as does long-term storage and transport of foods. The use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers has also made our food less wholesome and our health requirements higher.
Basically, the body needs protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as adequate water and exercise. Water is needed to provide the fluids in the body that aid in digestion of food and transportation of nutrients and wastes. Exercise helps the processes of metabolism, such as circulation of blood and lymph. Not all foods are equal in nutritional value, and a plentiful supply of calories does not constitute a good diet.
Fats, for instance, are often regarded as evils, but many are vital to development and energy production. Many important fats go rancid quickly, and all can be harmed by high heat during processing; good fats can turn into harmful toxins. Manufacturers routinely remove important elements like Omega-3 fatty acids, which shorten shelf life, and use altered fats to restore taste and texture. For this reason, health experts advise supplementation of essential fatty acids.
Many people in even affluent societies suffer from a lack of quality protein. People may limit meat, dairy, and eggs for weight-control purposes or because they have allergies. These important protein sources should be replaced by fish or high-protein vegetables like whole grains and greens. However, many lack the knowledge to plan a balanced diet and in consequence suffer from fatigue, a loss of mental acuity, brittle nails and hair, and other results of dietary insufficiency.
Carbohydrates are easy to get, since the store shelves are full of sugary foods, baked goods, candy bars, and breads. However, refined foods usually will not provide quality carbohydrates that the body can process easily and burn for sustained energy. Instead, these white flour and sugar products are hard to digest, cause undue weight gain, contribute to disorders like glucose intolerance and diabetes, and drain energy rather than producing it. Called 'empty calorie' foods, refined carbohydrates should be replaced by whole-grain products, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
The need for high-quality fat is often ignored by both health professionals and the general populace. Fish oil contains a kind of fat important for proper brain development and function, but most of the population of America is deficient in this nutrient. Good fats are found in wild, cold water fish, in extra-virgin olive oil, and in fresh nuts and seeds. Processing and testing to make sure fats are not tainted with environmental pollutants is important.
Organic, whole foods should be the basis of the daily diet, while supplements from reputable manufacturers can provide for gaps in nutrition caused by lack of time or access to fresh, locally-grown foods. Refined carbohydrates should be eliminated if health is to be achieved, maintained, or restored.
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