Unlike the era when poverty and starvation were rampant, many of us have access to sufficient sources of macronutrients as well as vitamins and minerals. However, too much of macronutrients can jeopardize the health of immune system. Nutritional Immunology teahces us that it is important to fuel up on disease-preventing plant foods.
According to John Potter, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota, almost every step on the path to cancer can be retarded by one or more compounds in fruits or vegetables.
Dr Paul Talalay of John Hopkins Medical Institution adds, "Now we have wonderful evidence that if you eat more fruits and vegetables, you will have lower risk of cancer in several organs.
MACRONUTRIENTS:
-include carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
-these are nutrients needed for basic survival.
-are important building blocks for essential body functions. They help control our PROSTAGLANDINS, an essential system of hormones that control inflammation.
MICRONUTRIENTS:
-an arsenal of plant compounds--antioxidants, phytochemicals and polysaccharides.
-research proves that these mivcronutrients bolster the immune system even when we taken in large amounts, as long as they are from natural and wholesome sources like herbs, fruits and vegetables.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Proper Nutrition=Macronutrients+Micronutrients+Fiber
When we heard the phrase 'proper nutrition', what comes to mind? Is it only about the nutrients the Food guide Pyramid asks us to consume or is there a bigger picture? According to Nutritional Immunology, proper nutrition involves a diet that includes a healthy balance of macronutrients, plant food micronutrients and fiber.
Until early 2005, many of us may have seen or even referred to the older version of the Food Guide Pyramid. It outlines how much of each food group we should eat each day to be healthy. Altogether, the pyramid proposes a higher intake of carbohydrate and protein than fruits and vegetables. It advises fats to be used sparingly. However, scientist have pointed out the pyramid's inadequacies because meat and dairy products also contain fat. Fiber is linked with grains at the base of the pyramid but mnay fruits and vegetables are rich in disease-preventing fiber!
To make matter worse, numerous groups have come up with their own version of food pyramids. Some experts believe that these inconsistencies could be linked to the rising number of cancer cases and the explosion of obesity in all corners of the world.
Until early 2005, many of us may have seen or even referred to the older version of the Food Guide Pyramid. It outlines how much of each food group we should eat each day to be healthy. Altogether, the pyramid proposes a higher intake of carbohydrate and protein than fruits and vegetables. It advises fats to be used sparingly. However, scientist have pointed out the pyramid's inadequacies because meat and dairy products also contain fat. Fiber is linked with grains at the base of the pyramid but mnay fruits and vegetables are rich in disease-preventing fiber!
To make matter worse, numerous groups have come up with their own version of food pyramids. Some experts believe that these inconsistencies could be linked to the rising number of cancer cases and the explosion of obesity in all corners of the world.
Food Fuels the Immune System
According to Nutritional Immunology, what we eat daily directly affects how our immune system works and the way we look, feel and act.
Om a deeper level, food fuels the immune system. When we eat a variety of plant foods regularly, the fuel is usually nutritious. However, when we eat too many animal products or foods high in saturated fat, salt and sugar, we deprive our immune system of disease-fighting nutrients. When we are healthy, wholesome foods contribute to a strong immune response. Similarly, when we are sick, proper nourishment and sufficient rest can help us recover from illness faster.
We know that drugs(medicine) can help us to combat cancer but there are many considerations that doctors and patients must weight before we rely on chemicals to help the body. Will we see a desired effect? Are we getting the safest, most effective dosage? Will there be adverse side effects?(For cancer, the answer is almost a 'YES'.) Will this drug interact negatively with other drugs? However, each time we choose wholesome foods, we allow our internal doctor, the immune system, to do its work and extremely well, without a flurry of worries about side effects and proper dosage.
Om a deeper level, food fuels the immune system. When we eat a variety of plant foods regularly, the fuel is usually nutritious. However, when we eat too many animal products or foods high in saturated fat, salt and sugar, we deprive our immune system of disease-fighting nutrients. When we are healthy, wholesome foods contribute to a strong immune response. Similarly, when we are sick, proper nourishment and sufficient rest can help us recover from illness faster.
We know that drugs(medicine) can help us to combat cancer but there are many considerations that doctors and patients must weight before we rely on chemicals to help the body. Will we see a desired effect? Are we getting the safest, most effective dosage? Will there be adverse side effects?(For cancer, the answer is almost a 'YES'.) Will this drug interact negatively with other drugs? However, each time we choose wholesome foods, we allow our internal doctor, the immune system, to do its work and extremely well, without a flurry of worries about side effects and proper dosage.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Nutritional Immunology Brings Hope of Health and Longetivity
The United Nation estimates that today, 1 in every 10 people is 60 years or older. In a world population of 6 billion, that amounts to 600 million elderly, By 2050, it is projected that 1 in every 5 of us will be at least 60 years old. This is not surprising. In fact, scientist have recovered that we have the potential to liva a vibrant and meaningful life until at least 120 years old. It's also possible for us to live to be even 150 years old!!!
We are unable to expect the elderly to remain physically active as they age. This create an urgent need for disease-preventing foods. The only way to help the elderly to stay healthy is to teach them to eat more plant foods. This establishes and strengthens the need for a life-prolonging science like Nutritional Immunology.
We are unable to expect the elderly to remain physically active as they age. This create an urgent need for disease-preventing foods. The only way to help the elderly to stay healthy is to teach them to eat more plant foods. This establishes and strengthens the need for a life-prolonging science like Nutritional Immunology.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Prevention Over Cure: A New Health Concept
Over decades, many people make an extra effort to note their nutritional intake when they are sick, but few take the preventive measure that could have stopped the illness before it started. Studies show that 2/3 of America tends to put more fats and refined sugar than plant foods on its plate, leaving little room for essential nutrients needed to maintain health.
High fat and high sugar increased cancer risk.
Is it any wonder then that at least a million Americans are diagnosed with cancer every year?
Think about it. And Think about your daily nutrients intake. Did you really achieve a healthy diet?
High fat and high sugar increased cancer risk.
Is it any wonder then that at least a million Americans are diagnosed with cancer every year?
Think about it. And Think about your daily nutrients intake. Did you really achieve a healthy diet?
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