What You Need to Know About NutritionThe alternative between a healthy diet high in nutrition that will build, strengthen and help prevent disease in the body . . . or . . . a diet that is lacking in nutrition is as simple as understanding what makes the difference. When food is processed many additives are used. Preservatives are added to extend shelf life; dyes and stabilizers make the item look or taste better. All of these are toxic and are known to play a role in our overall health. Many common ailments have been linked to toxins in our food; cancer, decreased immune function, food allergies and sensitivities, chemical and environmental sensitivities and many more. Our goal is to avoid as many of these
FOOD ADDITIVES
as possible.
Our food is grown using fertilizers and pesticides, hormones and antibiotics. These remain in the food product even after processing. The best way to avoid these is by eating organically grown foods that are lower on the food chain, as close to natural as possible. Certified organic food has been grown without the use of chemicals. If it is processed it is without additives that are regularly used in the processing of non-organic foods. From findings based on results of nearly 43,000 tests for pesticides on produce by the U. S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration from 2000 through 2004, the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit research organization, created the "Dirty Dozen". By avoidng these items pesticide exposure could be lowered by almost 90%. These items are best bought organic or avoided. 1) Peaches; 2) Apple; 3) Bell Pepper; 4) Celery; 5) Nectarines; 6) Strawberries; 7) Cherries; 8) Kale; 9) Lettuce; 10) Grapes (Imported); 11) Carrots; 12) Pears. Items that were considered the best choices were the "Clean Fifteen". 1) Onion; 2) Avocado; 3) Sweet Corn; 4) Pineapple; 5) Mango; 6) Asparagus; 7) Sweet Peas; 8) Kiwi; 9) Cabbage; 10) Eggplant; 11) Papaya 12) Watermelon; 13) Broccoli; 14) Tomatoes; 15) Sweet Potatoes.
WHOLE FOODS help to build and strengthen the body. What are whole foods? These are foods that are as close to raw as possible, with little processing, additives or changes. A whole food contains natural vitamins, minerals, proteins and complex carbohydrates, all substances that our body requires. Whole foods also have fiber which is essential for good health.
What if you could grow some of your own whole foods? Y o u c a n! Let's get started with a Basic Herb Garden.
Processed, packaged and altered foods have had most of the vital nutrients removed. Of course, these foods are often the ones that tempt our taste buds the most. They are convenient and they will keep on the shelf indefinitely. Refined flour, canned and preserved goods and ready-made sauces are examples of foods that lack vital nourishing qualities.
"Recent research has demonstrated that diet alone may not be sufficient to supply the nutrients necessary for overall good health. While most experts agree that nutritional supplements are vital for a variety of illnesses, injuries, and age-related problems, vitamin and mineral supplements can also help to maintain optimal physical and psychological health, and promote longevity and chronic disease prevention."
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE The Definitive Guide
-Compiled by The Burton Goldberg Group-Published by Future Medicine Publishing, Inc.
Nutritional supplements can provide the added benefit of vitamins and minerals that we may not be receiving in optimum quantities. This can occur when our body requires more than we are getting on a daily basis due to health conditions, busy lives, poor appetite, unavailability of nutrient rich food or digestive and assimilation problems.
Photo by Sbocaj Enjoy a smoothie packed with nutrition while adding delicious fruits and vegetables to your diet.
Have fun, experiment and enjoy!
"A NUTRITIOUS SNACK" For a very nutritious snack, take cooked brown rice, sesame seeds and some apple cider vinegar, roll into a ball and wrap in a sheet of nori. Enjoy!!
-taken from 'Encyclopedia of Natural Healing'- Alive Books
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