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Join Date: 27 Oct 2010
Location:  QatarPosts: 404 |
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Secrets to a healthy diet |
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It is environment-friendly, health friendly, and free of chemicals, but what makes best argument for switching to organic, wholesome ingredients is the pure taste that no non-organic can compete with.
Secrets to a healthy diet 'Organic food' is the buzz word these days when it comes to healthy diet. Talk about food benefits to chefs, dieticians and health experts; and pat comes the reply "switch to organic food. Then you obviously ask, "Why?" This is what the health experts have to say, "Organic foods are just the right solution to reduce an individual's toxin burden of pesticides and food additives, besides increasing their nutrient intake." But that's not all today, the health experts are also talking about holistic diet- a diet regime that takes into account your body's natural state. Holistic diet talks about food that is fresh, mild and triggers our taste buds for health benefits. Says Dr Vaidehi Nawathe, Chief Dietician, Bhaktivedanta Hospital, Mumbai about holistic diet, "Organic food increases nutrient intake, and alters consumption patterns away from less healthy choices. Organic food isn't a luxury. It's how food is supposed to be and a valuable part of any regimen intended to maintain, improve or restore health. Holistic diet is also about the way it is prepared, stored, consumed. Whatever may be the food choice, it should be practical, fresh at the same time healthy. Right method of cooking and eating with proper frame of mind with a balance between increasing life demands and adequate mental - physical exercises have a positive impact on health." Go Holistic We need to understand what organic food is first, to understand its benefits. Food which is cultivated in natural ways, without the use of artificial fertilisers, various chemicals or pesticides is known as organic food. There are almost over 400 types of pesticides which are used in non-organic cultivation. On the contrary organic food items are safe and healthy as they are grown free from chemicals and artificial fertilisers. The flavour of organically grown food is just so much better - full-flavoured, richer, riper and juicier. Taste aside, the nutritional value of organic ingredients is much higher. For instance, organics exceed the non-organic items by 27 per cent in vitamin C, by 29 per cent in magnesium, by 21 per cent in iron, and by 14 per cent in phosphorus. It is high on fibres. Organic food is a better alternative to conventional food, but it also has some of the drawbacks like high cost, unavailability and also all natural food is always not beneficial as it also can have some unwanted bacteria or other micro-organisms. Today, our land is getting infertile and the soil is becoming toxic. The organic matter of soil is being rapidly depleted. It's not enough to try organic food but eat what is called the holistic diet. Holistic food is food in its original state as found in nature. It retains its natural properties throughout the course of preparation. It is unprocessed and without additives. In their natural state, foods are comprised of the 5 basic elements, Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space, creating balance through a flavourful combination of the six tastes into a delicious meal. It is food that nourishes and rejuvenates a person as a whole, providing benefits to the body, the mind and the soul, strengthening the immune system. Rules of holistic diet Why holistic food is important for us is because the fresh food has what is called Prana or the life force. Practitioners of Ayurveda, who advocate holistic diet say that this prana is the healing energy. Holistic diet is a balance of not just the carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals but also balances hot and cold; moist and dry; and light and heavy qualities of food. You can get the most out holistic diet by following certain routine when eating. The experts suggest eating three such meals daily, and at the same time every day. Breakfast should be around 7 am, lunch five hours after breakfast and dinner by 7 pm. Avoid outside distractions like TV, computer or phone when eating. Concentrate on each morsel as you eat. Always sit down to eat with a positive and happy state of mind. Negative feelings can lead to indigestion, and acidity. Avoid raw or overcooked food, instead eat freshly made fare. Take time to chew food and enjoy the subtle taste of each ingredient. Avoid overeating, and eating less than needed. Always eat enough to feel satiated, and allow five to six hours for the food to be digested well.  |
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