Phytochemicals in Plant Based Foods

A post by Blanche Scharf http://www.yourhealthupdates.com I have been studying natural healing modalities for the last 25 years. In that time I have had the privilege of working with some of the greatest minds in Natural Healing including Naturopaths, Scientists, and Energy Healers. I have seen people miraculously heal from all kinds of dis-ease thru non-invasive methods. Personally, I have experienced all kinds of diets from Macrobiotics to Raw Foods. Now is a very important time to start sharing this health information with as many people as possible, so people can make well informed decisions about their health and not fall victim to a sickcare system based on profit, rather than one of supporting wholeness, compassion and love To see more posts by Blanche Scharf, click here

The best place to start going green is with your diet. The dining habits of Americans are revealed in their health. It is amazing the information that someones health tells about what is on their plates. This is not a recent discovery, it is common knowledge that somehow is not relayed to the public.

People who upgrade their diet to include more plant-based foods, are healthier. These foods have an abundant supply of phytochemicals  that prevents Oxidative stress in the body. This is associated with a lower risk of obesity and disease. These findings were published online before being published in the print edition of the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.

The benefits become apparent when you start consuming enough of these protective foods. These are leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. Phytochemicals in plant based foods are the key to good nutrition.

“We need to find a way to encourage people to pull back on fat and eat more foods rich in micronutrients and trace minerals from fruits, vegetables, whole grains and soy,” said Heather Vincent, an assistant professor in the UF Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Institute. “Fill your plate with colorful, low-calorie, varied-texture foods derived from plants first. By slowly eating phytochemical-rich foods such as salads with olive oil or fresh-cut fruits before the actual meal, you will likely reduce the overall portion size, fat content and energy intake. This way, you’re ensuring that you get the variety of protective, disease-fighting phytochemicals you need and controlling caloric intake.” 

Of all the plant food dark green leafy vegetables are one of the most concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. That is based on its low calorie content. For the amount of calories you are getting iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium with vitamins K,C, E and B, beta-carotene, lutein which are pytonutrients. They also contain small amounts of Omega-3 fats.

The protective effect of dark greens, is one of the reasons that it should be included in everyones diet. The costs of these vegetables is less than a fast food meal. Including plant based food is affordable. What isn’t affordable is not getting back to the basics. 

Cheeseburgers, french fries, diet sodas, and sugary deserts are not the foundation for health. In the long run those on a poor diet run into trouble. There are very few exceptions, a free pass is not in the works for those that eat whatever and wherever they feel like at the moment. This is not a “slip-Up” it is a formula for disaster. Health is simple, easy and green

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