Healthy Food and Lifestyle

Nutrition is a key factor in preventing diseases. Healthy nutrition means a healthy body that can resist diseases. Some ailments such as night vision impairment can be prevented by proper healthy diet rich in vitamin A. Carrots, broccoli and milk are all rich in vitamin A. On the other hand, dreaded cancer diseases can also be prevented by proper nutrition. Food rich in anti-oxidants such as citrus fruits and pineapples are known to contain anti-oxidants that can combat cancer. Food supplements such as the lauric acid-rich virgin coconut oil are also good in preventing cancer. The old adage: “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” is applicable to all types of diseases.

Even when the disease is already present, nutrition still plays a vital role. For instance, in the case of diabetes, proper nutrition is very important in maintaining normal daily living. The number one parameter that needs to be monitored and maintained in a diabetic is the level of glucose in the blood. The level of blood glucose is normally controlled by insulin. However, a diabetic is either unable to produce enough insulin or is not capable of utilizing insulin. A diabetic should avoid sugar-rich and carbohydrate-rich food such as rice, cakes, chocolates, and ice cream. As much as possible, a diabetic should have a vegetarian diet. Food supplement extracts form ampalaya or bitter melon (Memordica charantia) and banaba (Lagertroemia speciosa) are also found effective in controlling diabetes. The alkaloids and flavanoids that are present in these plants are believed to make the pancreas produce more insulin and make the body cells more receptive to insulin.