Did you ever wonder what makes a food a ?healthy? food? We all know the saying ?you are what you eat?. What would our society look like if this were true? Well, we would see a lot of:
Hamburgers
Hot dogs
French Fries
Twinkies
Pizza
Donuts
The new lifestyle 35, we need to change to a diet of high quality food. So, what makes a food healthy?
Anti-Oxidants
First, it mush have essential anti-oxydants such as vitamin A and Vitamin C. It should also have many of what are considered non essential anti-oxydants.
What is the glycemic index of the food?
I am sure you have all heard of this glycemic index by now. This is what it is about: (GI) is a way of analyzing the carbohydrates and the effect they have on your blood glucose level. The faster they break down, the higher the glycemic index . Of course the slower they break down, the lower the index. Those with a high GI are digested quickly and create a rapid increase in blood glucose while those with a low GI are digested slowly and therefore will release blood sugar into the blood slower.
This index has only been around for the last 10 years. The idea finally came to the professionals that certain complex carbs actually made the blood sugar rise more than even table sugar would. Dr. Barry Sears has been working with blood sugar, glycemic index for many years. A good GI food is one that will help you to keep your insulin levels as even as possible. No sharp rises or falls. Then, when you go one step beyond the Glycemic Index, you will get into the Glycemic Load.
It is extremely beneficial for you to study both the Glycemic Index and the Glycemic Load. It may seem complicated at first, but it will help anyone who is overweight, obese or a diabetic.
A healthy food needs to have soluble fiber. Fiber will slow down the rate at which the carbohydrates are absorbed into your bloodstream. This is very important and helpful for your digestion.
Fats. Foods must have the good fats, and not the ?bad? fats. A good source of fat is the low saturated fats such as omega 6. Monosaturated fats are neutral. Saturated fats will cause cholesterol and heart disease. Trans fat is to be avoided it all costs. It is extremely bad for your body.
So, what is a short list of the healthiest foods?
Cauliflower
Blackberries
Blueberries
Broccoli
Kale ? known very well in Europe
Lettuce
Raspberries
Spinach
Strawberries Chard
Kohlrabi ? again, known very well in Europe
Haddock
Cod
Crab Meat
Egg Whites
Lobster
Mackerel
Skim Milk
Protein Powder
Salmon
Sea Bass
Soybean
Tuna
Turkey ? No skin
Olive oil
Almonds
This list is by no means a complete list of healthy foods. But it is a good start. Educate yourself. Dr. Barry Sears of the famous Zone Diet has written many books about this subject. Get them from the library, settle down one evening and read.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is designed for educational purposes only and should not be used in any other manner. This information is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice.
Ruth is actively involved in internet marketing and she finds it very exciting She is a wife, a stepmom a dog owner and a business person. She is married for almost 30 years to Chris who has been, and still is, battling the monster MS. Two of her dogs are Certified Therapy Dogs. Her passions are people health and pet health. Her Blog http://www.mimfreedom.com Her Articles http://www.mimfreedom.com/2006 Her Pet Boog http://www.happypetstop.com/blog | |
