Obesity

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170.   Caution – For diabetics, who are taking anti-diuretic hormones (ADH), which prevent the body from losing water, the excess water cannot be excreted and the result is water intoxication, which produces symptoms ranging from mild headache to confusion, coma, and seizures. These diabetics, and people with kidney problems, or other conditions where fluid intake needs to be limited, should seek expert advice before trying any new diet, or changing eating and water drinking habits.

SUPER FOODS FOR GOOD HEALTH

Fruits and Vegetables

171.   Liberal intake of fruits and vegetables enhances one’s sense of well-being, while junk food makes one moody and downcast. One of the best ways to increase body’s immunity and thereby avoid or fight disease and enhance your health is to include plenty of nutrient/antioxidant-rich fresh seasonal fruits and raw or steamed vegetables in your diet. If one is unable to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, the next best option is to drink their freshly squeezed juices – but remembering that juicing gets rid of fibre and some nutrients.

172.   Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E in fruits and vegetables mop up excess “free radicals” that attack cells and tissues and are linked to various diseases including heart disease and cancer. Fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with potassium which is excellent for people with high blood pressure.

173.   The alkaline salts present in fruits and vegetables neutalise most stomach acids and thus promote intestinal elimination of toxic wastes. The fibrous matter in fruits and vegetables helps reduce cholesterol and keeps the digestive track running smoothly. As diuretics, the potassium, magnesium and sodium content in fruits and vegetables increases the frequency of urination and at the same time control its density, thus controlling water retention in the body.

174.   With the consumption of fresh fruits and raw/steamed vegetables, the elimination of toxins and cleansing capacity of body’s 24 hour workers, namely liver, kidneys, lungs and the skin, is greatly improved. Almost all the vital nutrients of fruits and vegetables are assimilated directly in the blood stream, thereby affording much needed rest to these 24-hour workers.

Wholegrains

175.   Wholegrains with the husk removed, are the seeds of grasses like wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, buckwheat, millets etc. These have always been a major food source for humans as well as animals. Wholegrains were the first food our ancestors learned to cultivate, marking our transition from hunter-gatherers to agricultural societies. Our ancestors relied heavily on wholegrains because they are excellent food, providing lots of carbohydrates for energy plus protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.