Food is the cornerstone of our existence, providing the energy and nutrients necessary for life. However, the quality and type of food we consume can either bolster our health or contribute to disease. This article delves into the dual nature of food, exploring how it can be both a remedy and a poison, and emphasizes the importance of holistic nutrition for overall well-being.
"Food gives us energy and sustains life. The nutrients in our food are responsible for our external appearance, skin health, weight, physical stamina, temperament, and attitude. Essentially, we are what we eat," says Dr. Shagufta. She references Ray Lyman Wilbur, a physician and former president of Stanford University, who once remarked, "Most people have but little knowledge about how to care for their brains, or be well and happy. From childhood, they never play fair with this, the finest machine on earth. Doctors themselves are not good examples and many of them take better care of their automobiles than they do of themselves."
Another renowned physician famously stated, "We dig our graves with our teeth." This highlights the global issue of inadequate and unhealthy nutrition. Dr. Shagufta points out that hundreds of millions of people struggle to obtain enough food to survive. It's a grave mistake to assume that nutritional problems only affect those who are financially unstable. While they may not afford expensive foods, a lack of nutritional education means they often don't know which foods provide the best nourishment.
Dr. Shagufta emphasizes that holistic nutrition is crucial for maintaining overall health and keeping the body strong. Holistic nutrition considers the whole person, including their lifestyle, environment, and emotional well-being, rather than just focusing on individual nutrients or foods.
According to Dr. Shagufta, food is a primary factor that can either maintain good health or cause diseases. All the billions of cells in our bodies require a continuous supply of nutritious food to extract the different nutrients they need to live and perform their various functions. When cells do not receive an optimal supply of food, they cannot perform to their peak capacity.
Cells can become unwell and start malfunctioning for two main reasons:
Processed foods are often laden with unhealthy additives and preservatives. According to a study published in the BMJ, high consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease (BMJ, 2019). These foods can poison our cells and lead to various health issues.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 820 million people worldwide are undernourished, and more than 2 billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies (WHO, 2020). This global nutrition crisis affects both developing and developed countries, highlighting the need for better nutritional education and access to healthy foods.
Food is a powerful tool that can either enhance our health or contribute to disease. By understanding the importance of holistic nutrition and making informed dietary choices, we can ensure that our food serves as a remedy rather than a poison. Educating ourselves and others about the impact of nutrition on our health is crucial for addressing the global nutrition crisis and promoting overall well-being.
For more information on the importance of nutrition, visit the World Health Organization and the Global Nutrition Report.
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