My last article was in regard to nutrition with some specific guidelines for overall health. You probably see that I am a big skeptic when it comes to both agribiz and government oversight. Let’s face it. We live in an imperfect world and fixing it is way beyond my ability as I’m not a politician (sarcasm intended). What I am sharing here is going to help those who care enough to go the extra mile. Most people will continue down the same path of too much, poor quality food and will have to live with the results. For the enlightened minority, let’s forge ahead as understanding what is going on with the food source and within our bodies gives extra incentive to do what is best for our health.
First I would like to expand on guidelines for carbohydrates. Briefly, plain white sugar is bad because it is so concentrated that it requires a big shot of insulin to process. If you constantly require insulin, the pancreas quits working properly and you end up with type 2 diabetes. Simple starches are almost as bad as they convert very quickly into sugar as we chew them. High fructose corn syrup is a bit different as it gets broken down in the liver and causes a condition called “fatty liver”. Then throw in the GMO factor. That stands for Genetically Modified Organisms and is the case for most of the commercially produced wheat that we consume and many of the vegetables. One of the concerns here, especially in the grains, is that in making these disease resistant and fast growing, they produce proteins that the human body cannot process. Also, the new varieties produce more gluten than the old, heritage varieties. Depending on your sensitivity level, the body can react with an auto-immune response (allergy). One manifestation is Celiac disease, but I think that this also relates to colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crones, psoriasis, and God knows how many other conditions, all of which are on the rise.
Now let’s talk about protein, the building block of growth and repair. Livestock strains have been selectively bread to achieve maximum weight in minimal time to be commercially viable. Their feed is grain based and most also get high doses of antibiotics and often receive growth hormones. This diet insures that the meat is too high in omega 6 and devoid of omega 3 and Tonalin CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid). Studies show that CLA helps with maintenance of blood glucose and insulin levels and it helps to lower cholesterol. So who wants unnatural chemicals in and good chemicals out of their meat? CLA occurs naturally in free grazing, grass fed animals and the omega 3 to 6 ratio will be correct as well. Speaking of, farm raised fish have the same problem. You want free ranging, cold water species for optimal nutrient value.
I know at this point that someone out there is screaming at the screen, “just give up animal products. Go vegan!” Sorry but first, I really enjoy meat and fish and have no moral objection to consuming them. And more important, is the fact that not all of our essential amino acids are readily available from plant sources. I honestly like beans and tofu but I get my proteins mainly from meat, fish and eggs. Also, soy product can suppress testosterone production; not one of my health goals.
Lastly (today) let’s take a closer look at fats. Understand that consuming fat doesn’t necessarily make you fat. This high calorie nutrient category gets a bad rap. It has to be metabolized just like protein and carbs before becoming body tissue. If you eat the right fats, they will be consumed for energy rather than going into storage. If you eat a lot of fried foods, the fats/oils used as cooking medium are altered by the heat and impart high levels of free radicals into your body. Bad, very bad. Additionally, the oil in fryers is often borderline rancid; more free radicals. As I wrote last time, hydrogenised oils cannot be fully metabolized as our bodies don’t encounter them in nature. To keep it simple, real butter is okay, just don’t go crazy. Olive oil is a great source of omega 3 though pretty soggy on toast. Canola oil is good, while shortening is bad. Common sense is the rule.
The bottom line is quality, quality, quality. Wholesome foods which don’t contain things that you can’t pronounce are what will best serve your overall health. Next time I’ll share my thoughts on vitamins, minerals, and when to supplement. Live well.