Battling the growing global tsunami of Chronic lifestyle-based diseases is clearly emerging as a major challenge of the 21st Century. Not only are 65% of all deaths attributed to these diseases, the impact of prolonged medication and related costs is threatening to cripple or severely impact the economies of many countries. The Chronic diseases’ illnesses are induced by prolonged exposure to stress, and are worsened by the growing epidemic of Obesity. The list of Chronic diseases keeps getting longer - it includes Diabetes, Cardio-vascular Disease, Lung and Respiratory disorders, Brain and Nervous System issues and various forms of Cancer.
Is there hope? Can this growing challenge be met? There is a silver lining – and it is more a prevention than a cure. It has long been known that a diet largely consisting of plants, fruits, nuts and seeds promotes optimal health. Antioxidants from natural foods, eaten raw or minimally cooked, and Bioactive compounds found in plant foods, play a role in controlling the genetic and other biological factors that lead to Chronic disease. Foods that may help prevent Chronic diseases are: artichokes, black pepper, cinnamon, garlic, lentils, olives, pumpkin, rosemary, thyme, watercress and many more. Their impact is more dramatic when accompanied by a healthy lifestyle. Not surprisingly, most food scientists, healthcare practitioners and nutritionists are veering towards a consensus; they believe that by taking a majority of our calories from plant-based foods, we can dramatically lower the incidence of disease. There is need for a concerted effort to stem the growing tendency amongst urban populations towards diets high in hydrogenated fats and sugars, low in fibre and high in refined and processed grains. It is pretty well accepted now that the dramatic shift towards the consumption of fast and ‘convenient’ junk food, over the past 50 years, is a direct and important cause of the growing incidence of Chronic illnesses.
Tip of the Week
For most individuals, a natural diet of seasonal (ideally local) vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds - and no more than 10 percent of the total calories from organic meats - is the key to prevent Chronic disease, premature ageing and early mortality.
Nature’s Wonder Food(s) of the Week: Rosemary or Rosmarinus Officinalis
Native to the Mediterranean region, centuries ago Rosemary found favour with famous healthcare practitioners like Hippocrates and Dioscorides. In some countries it became popular as a cure-all. Most often it was prescribed to address liver and memory problems. Amongst the herbs, it is held in high regard due to the symbolism attached to it – it is not only used at weddings, but also at funerals. Modern science has confirmed that Rosemary is a powerful anti-oxidant and has important anti-inflammatory properties. It contains diterpenes and flavonoids, which inhibit free-radical damage and strengthen blood vessels. Apart from being a popular condiment in the kitchen, Rosemary has many topical usages as well - in the Health, Cosmetics and Personal Care industries. Tender tops of fresh Rosemary are used for garnishing and flavouring of cold drinks and soups. Its dried and powdered leaves are used as a condiment. Interestingly, it has for ages been used to handle long-term stress. More importantly, it can address fatigue and general debility, by stimulating several key systems - such as the circulation & digestion system, the adrenal glands, bile production by the liver, and the brain and nervous system. Herbalists use Rosemary as a carminative, anti-depressant, anti-spasmodic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, carcinogen blocker, liver-detoxifier and an anti-rheumatic.
Registered Holistic Nutritionist (Canadian School of Natural Nutrition). For education purposes only; always consult a healthcare practitioner for medical conditions
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