Food is not just a mere fuel for the long marathon that is life. In fact, it has a much more profound role to play: it provides information and material for our bodies, essential for the normal functioning of the organism.
Eating too much food or having an unhealthy diet confuses our bodies with the wrong instructions, making it overweight, weak, undernourished, and prone to diseases and all kinds of health conditions. Recent studies have shown that 95% of the world population experiences health issues, but on the brighter note, many of these diseases are preventable.
In the food mood
First off, food comes as a savior when we are feeling blue. Namely, certain types reduce stress levels, alleviate depression, and mitigate anxiety. For example, many of us adore chocolate, but it is nice to know that it really has the ability to make us happy. The Nestle Research Center has found that dark chocolate decreases stress hormones in the body due to its antioxidant content.
Likewise, antioxidants in fruits and omega-3 acids in fish are associated with lower depression levels. Fish is a peculiar case, because the omega-3 acids that regulate brain chemicals, like dopamine and serotonin, cannot be produced in our bodies. A shortage of serotonin can lead to aggression, depression, and suicidal tendencies, while dopamine acts as a ”reward substance”, released in the wake of pleasing and positive experiences.
Furthermore, let us turn our attention to low carb diets. They seem to be all the rage today, but scientists have unraveled their dark side. In one study, those who consumed 20-40 grams of carbs per day have experienced elevated stress levels, anxiety, and depression. It is suspected that this is the result of the fact that carbs stimulate the production of serotonin, the ultimate feel-good chemical.
Natural remedies
Sometimes, food has incredible curing properties. Such is the case with the amazing fruits: a higher consumption of fruits that have antioxidants is linked to the lower risk of type 2 diabetes and better obesity control. Some of the best fruits in this regard are blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, which are all rich in flavonoids.
What is more, antioxidants found in white tea protect your good cells against cancerogenic and oxidative damage. In addition, regular dark coffee consumption makes skin cancer less likely. Flax seeds are also worth noting, as they raise good HDL cholesterol levels and contain heart-protecting fibers. Yogurt is an excellent blood pressure reducer, while milk serves as a lung cancer fighter.
A growing body of studies also removes the stigma attached to marijuana. For instance, it has been established that it has the power to cure diseases and different health problems. It can control epileptic seizures, prevent the spreading of cancer, ease Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, as well as relieve hepatitis C side effects and arthritis pain.
Apart from that, marijuana also shows much promise in terms of regulating weight and metabolism and combating anxiety and depression. It may not be legal everywhere, but the policy climate is still shifting across the globe. Reliable medical marijuana concentrates are a great way to enjoy cannabis discreetly and safely. They are cleansed of impurities and deliver higher amounts of THC and cannabinoids with each use.
A good night’s sleep
At last, food is a great ally when you want to improve your sleeping patterns and habits. Not getting enough shut-eye is a widespread predicament of modern life, and the health consequences of it are far-reaching. Again, fish proves to be useful, this time because of its melatonin-enhancing vitamin B6.
Similarly, melatonin-rich tart cherry juice facilitates deep slumber and eases insomnia. Yogurt supplies our bodies with healthy doses of calcium and aids those who have trouble falling asleep. Finally, magnesium deficiency is another culprit behind poor sleep, which is why foods like whole grains enable you to turn the brain “off” and drift away to dreamland seamlessly.
Full of beans
What we eat is pivotal to our health. Foods that are rich in nutrients boost our life in a variety of ways. They empower our cells to perform normal functions and our brain to run like clockwork. Therefore, we must not fail to recognize and utilize the nourishing substances in food as wardens of good health, agents that nurture, maintain, and develop our mind and bodily vessel. So, never make food your enemy, because this would involve fighting an uphill battle with bitter odds.
