Diet and Health
Many health conditions and diseases can be affected by the foods we eat. Medical research has uncovered a wide range of connections between diet and physical and mental health. In fact, for many diseases dietary treatment has become an integral part of treatment or complete program. For example, guidelines and basic concepts of nutrition are often used in patients with arthritis, insulin resistance, cancer and heart disease.
A healthy diet helps prevent disease.
The idea of food as medicine is not new. There are several dietary treatments for many different types of diseases. However, healthy nutrition has now become an important part of prevention. Many clinics and doctors give advice on healthy nutrition to their patients to reduce the risk of disease, age-related problems, obesity and diabetes for example.
The nutrients, fiber and phytochemicals may fight disease.
In addition to essential nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and fats), so that a food is healthy should include micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), dietary fiber and phytochemicals. Health researchers are still finding connections between health and proper intake of vitamins and minerals, and how to help fight many diseases and conditions. (more…)
