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Health Related Articles / Newsletters>
Natural Healing Lifestyle Habits: FOODS TO AVOID
July 3, 2010
by Judy Dolan
For optimal health, we should avoid many items contained in some food. Substances that should be avoided, especially in high amounts, include highly processed food containing food additives, certain fats -- saturated fatty foods like red meat and trans fats, hormone-rich dairy products and too many sweets, especially from bleached sugar and corn syrup.
Avoid Processed Food
In order to become as healthy as possible, we should concentrate on doing away with many unhealthy foods like processed foods. Processed foods often contain added salt, sugar and other sweeteners, preservatives, artificial colors and more. These foods may be convenient, but are designed largely to make the manufacturer wealthy, unfortunately at the expense of our health. If you must eat processed food, do it in as healthy a way possible and seldom. Read labels. If you don’t know what an ingredient is, look it up or stay away from it.
Avoid Certain Fats
Research indicates excessive amounts of certain fats can have a negative impact on health. Saturated fats and trans fats are considered unhealthy. Most saturated fats come from animals. Eating a small amount of saturated fats from natural plant sources instead of foods high in animal-based saturated fats or trans- fats may be a better choice. If you must eat saturated fats, use plant-based saturated fats in moderation.
Trans fats are found in hydrogenated oil that is solid at room temperature. Foods high in trans fats contain margarine. Examples of foods containing trans fats include cake, pies, pastries, cookies and fried foods. Substituting healthy fats for not-so-healthy fats is easy. You can use vegetable-based fats, oils and nut butters. You could cut down on overall fat in general by substituting fruits for trans fat-rich pastries. Research shows that a diet rich in lots of fresh fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of many diseases and conditions. A great way to increase fruit and vegetable servings is to juice fresh fruits and vegetables in a good quality juicer. Let this portion of your diet rule over items such as saturated fat-rich foods like red meat and trans-fatty foods.
Avoid Hormone-rich Dairy Products
Many people are intolerant or allergic to milk and dairy products. Hormones given to cows can get into the food sources and potentially cause health problems. There are many milk alternatives today fortified with needed nutrients. Make fresh soymilk, almond milk, rice milk and other delicious “milks”. Once you get used to the change, you will prefer it. I recommend organic products when possible, especially when using soymilk.
Avoid Too Many Sweets
Avoid processed sweeteners like bleached sugar and corn syrup. Not only can they contain trace amounts of harmful substances, they are nutrient poor and are associated with an increased risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Sweets should not be the number one item on the menu. Make your own sweets using fresh and dried fruit and raw honey. A food dehydrator and best blenders can really help you make delicious, healthy, raw food desserts.
In conclusion, to benefit health, avoid:
- processed foods
- certain fats
- food high in saturated fats like red meat
- trans-fats found in partially hydrogenated oils, not nature
- hormone-rich dairy products, instead replace with other calcium-rich foods and natural food “milks”
- too many sweets –- especially from unbleached sugar and corn syrup
Judy Dolan - All Rights Reserved.
http://www.hope-for-health.com
© Copyright Judy Dolan has studied health for more than 27 years. She has a bachelor's degree in dietetics, knows multiple healing therapies and is owner and operator of Hope for Health, LLC, which offers healthy-living products, free information and focuses on helping people obtain health. Contact Us | Disclaimer | Learn | Policies | Q & A | Shipping Insurance
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