Knowing What to Eat and What Not

Nutrition influences not only the state of our bodies, but also, and probably more importantly, our brains. The food we consume helps keep our bodies in excellent shape and working effectively. It strengthens our immune system, gives us energy, and improves our intelligences. Although many individuals turn away from fat and meat, it has been recognized that fat and meat are of huge importance to the brain; and this point must be wisely considered.

There are still many misunderstandings about nutrition, that is, vitamins help in Weight Loss; enzymes to burn fat; gaining weight is caused by consuming fatty foods, so Diet Foods are the answer; obesity is linked only to food, and so on. Instead of banking on oversimplified generalizations, it is vital to develop a balanced diet from all food groups, including animal products and proteins, since they get rid of toxins from the intestines and provide the body with natural vitamins and minerals. It is advisable to eat in small quantities, but frequently – five to six times daily – since this technique of eating decreases the chance of plaque production in our blood and prevents it from accumulating in the internal organs and arteries. It is proven that majority of physical ailments, especially the leading cause of death – heart attack – are caused by improper nutrition.

One of the pioneer dietitians, William Banting, wrote in the mid-19th century, “among all maladies which concern the human race, I know none nor can I imagine anything worse than obesity.” Referring to the Dutch medical experts, people who put on a hefty amount of weight after the age of 35-40, reduce their lifespan by about seven years. Similarly, “if a 40-year old woman smokes and is overweight, she will live, on average, 13.3 years less than a non-smoking woman of acceptable weight.” When we talk of good nutrition, it is imperative that we link it with long life. Quality of life in old age is not about turning back the clock to maintain an artificial extension or replay of youth, but rather, to boost longevity and make life healthier, happier and more fulfilling within the limitations of age. It is no coincidence that the Japanese boast the best nutrition among their population, and their average lifespan is 82.5 years for women and 76.2 years for men.

Proper combinations of proteins, carbohydrates and fat directly influence brain activity, and consequently, affect our intellectual abilities. Carbohydrates feed our brain, proteins slow down carbohydrate absorption rate, and fat helps in manufacturing hormones that make us happy and assists in balancing the nutritive chemicals in the blood stream. In addition to the prime food categories, trace amounts of specific elements and minerals can have a profound influence on health. For example, selenium in dairy products relieves stress and is an excellent defense against aging. Is it possible to be happier through proper nutrition? Definitely Yes! Human brain is composed of and maintained by a certain number of building blocks, supplied through nutrition. The brain needs amino acids, fat and proteins to maintain its solid structure. When these ingredients are absent or lacking, the brain loses functional competence, which in turn causes accelerated aging.

Do not pass up fat completely for fear it may clog arteries. In fact, certain fats, like those found in olive or sunflower oil, cod-liver oil, almonds, peanuts and walnuts are beneficial and vital. It is these fats that configure the nerve cells in the brain. The controlling of fat intake ought to be closely observed, so that it does not damage brain function.

Proteins are also of significant importance. Enzymes, which grant cells to receive messages, and some neuro-meridians, are actually proteins in different proportions composed of amino acids in the food. The conclusion is that our brain requires proteins to stimulate proper activity. Meat, eggs and dairy products furnish the required animal proteins to the human body. It has been proven that shortage of Vitamin B-9 is the main contributor to memory loss during the aging process, and that the liver supports and strengthens the memory. Vitamin B-9 can be found in whole grains, egg yolks, beans, walnuts and spinach. If we add Vitamins B-6 and B-12, contained in fish and meat, we create a healthy combination that guarantees us optimum memory strength. The ancient Roman physician Galen recommended walnuts for stimulating brain activity. His idea was constructed on the ancient theory that body organs ought to be treated with foods that bear a resemblance to them, and the walnut, with its convoluted surface, does indeed resemble the folds of the human brain. Although that superficial theory is obviously superseded by the biochemistry of metabolism, modern medicine confirms that walnuts actually did stimulate intellectual ability, help prevent tumors and heart disease, and lower bad cholesterol. That is why it is vital to consume more than one ounce of walnuts daily, minimum three times a week. Vitamin E, which is just one valuable constituent of olives, walnuts as well as other foods, protects the biological membranes from aging.

Broccoli, peppers, lemons, oranges cabbage, and other products containing Vitamin C have a direct impact on the blood circulation in the brain. In order to avoid the decline of red blood cells, which stream oxygen to the brain, we must include iron-rich foods in our diet. Dr. Jill Halterman’s research at the University of Rochester demonstrated that students with low quantities of iron in their blood scored lower on examinations. Further research showed poorer IQ scores among young, vegetarian girls, in comparison with girls of the same age who take pleasure in a balanced diet.

Bread or pasta food group, particularly whole-grain and multi-grain, is perfect fuel for the brain, and the lack of rice, lentil and glucose triggers hypoglycemia and dulls brain function. Carbohydrates are the best energy source for our body, since they digest slowly, are absorbed into our system in small amounts, and feed the brain longer.

We have been taught since grade school that water is of extreme importance to the human body; we might be able to survive without food for two to three weeks, but no more than three days without water. Babies have approximately 75 – 80% water. As we grow older, this is reduced to approximately 60 – 65% for men and 50 – 60% for women. Our brain contains about 85% water and our bones has approximately 10 to 15% water. All of us lose around half a gallon of water every day, an amount that needs to be replenished. Some of the water we obtain through food intake, but majority has to be drunk. The result of insufficient water is dehydration and cellulite, including aging. Apart from pure, uncontaminated water, fruit juices and teas are useful and necessary as well. According to Russian scientist Vladimir Volkov, “the decrease of water in the body blocks the bio-filters and causes different pathologies and subsequently aging.” We have to accept the fact that rational and proper nutrition will enhance our health, make us more joyful, smarter and prettier, extend our lifespan, and ultimately, stimulate our inner being and help us achieve absolute happiness.


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