We will all die anyway; the foods we eat

We will all die anyway; the foods we eat

“Man seeks to change the foods available in nature to suit his tastes, thereby putting an end to the very essence of life contained in them.”

Sai Baba

By Alex P. Vidal

As we age we become conscious of the foods that we eat primarily because of health reasons. According to one dietician, we are the food that we eat.

I was recently asked by a young college student interested in history why people in ancient times lived longer than people in modern times. My answer was a quick “probably because of the quality of foods that we eat.”

Biblical figures lived up to 800 years. Today, at 60, many of us are already “bog bog sarado” by different ailments and complications; and are frequent visitors in the doctor’s clinics if not confined in the hospitals. By 70 some of us are wheelchair-bound. Those who are lucky to reach 80 stay in bed until the trip to the kingdom come beckons.  

CONTAMINATE

Some foods give us diseases because they are contaminated by chemicals and preservatives.

To be healthy, according to health experts, our body needs fuel-foods, fats and carbohydrates (sugars starches) to provide energy; proteins, such as meat, to build new tissues for growth or to replace those worn out; calcium, in milk, for strong bones and teeth; and various minerals, including salt, that help the body to maintain its chemical balance and to carry on its functions.

We were told that vitamins are not foods, but these “food-factors,” as they are called, are essential. They help the body to make use of the food we eat. Vitamins already present in food are usually enough for a normal person if his diet is otherwise well-balanced.

WHAT TO EAT

Every day we are advised to eat some foods from each of these groups: (1) milk or milk products, including cheese—at least a pint of milk for an adult and more for a child; (2) citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit), tomatoes, or raw cabbage or salad greens—at least one; (3) green or yellow vegetables, some raw, some cooked—at least one big serving; (4) other vegetables or fruits, including potatoes; (5) bread and cereals; (6) meat, poultry or fish; (7) eggs—three or four a week at least; (8) butter or another vitamin-rich spread.

We will all die anyway, so why not make an exit with grace.