?We are what we eat?, I am not really sure who coined that phrase, I know it was not me, but the reality is that we truly are what we eat. Much research has been initiated by several different researchers, medical professionals, scientist and nutritionist in order to discover the connection between our health and the foods and menus we choose.
Recent studies have found that people who suffer from unusually high occurrences of obesity, heart disease, stroke, and cancer, as well as low birth weight, high infant mortality rates, and nutrition-related chronic disease consume a regular diet that contains a considerable amount of high-fat foods and lack healthy nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables. In addition to the consumption of unhealthy food, they do not have a regular wellness regime which includes physical activity.
We know for a fact that Diabetes, the fifth largest cause of death in the United States has a definite food and menu connection, persons with Diabetes must follow a strict daily regiment in order to control the disease, but what about other illnesses.
The Cholesterol Connection: Heart Disease
Cholesterol is a normal substance in our blood, but when it is too high, that is when the risk for Heart Disease increases. Research shows that reducing the consumption of high amounts of cholesterol and saturated fats will reduce the risk for Heart Disease. A simple change in diet makes a world of difference if you have genetic factors that contribute to your Cholesterol being high. Your diet should consist of less than 30% fat and only 10% should be foods that contain saturated fat. Maintain an Ideal Body Weight and add more soluble fiber, oatmeal, apples, and carrots, barley and legumes, to your diet. Get your anti-oxidants by consuming green tea, Vitamins A and C, and beta-carotene. Choose menu and food items that contain enough folic acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12, cereals, asparagus, spinach and kidney beans are good sources.
If you would like to know if you are at risk for Heart Disease have a blood work-up preformed by your healthcare provider, the amount of Cholesterol in your system will be the best indicator of your risk factor. A recent study showed that men with average Cholesterol levels of 260 or over had three times more heart attacks than men with healthy levels, Whereas, post-menopausal women seem to be at the most risk.
For more Menu and Food Source information visit: http://www.menu-connection.com Diabetic Diets, Healthy Pastas, Specialty Teas, Exotic Fruits, Vegetables, Hydoponics, Dehydrated Foods, Cheeses, and Kitchen Design. The first in a series of articles that will outline the connection between illnesses, food and menu choices. | |
