Why we die early

“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

NEW YORK CITY -- As we age we become conscious of the food that we eat primarily because of health reasons. 
According to a dietician, we are the food that we eat.
A young college student once asked why people in ancient times lived longer than people in modern times. 
My answer was a quick “probably because of the quality of food that they ate.”
Biblical figures lived up to 800 years. 
Today, at 60, many of us are already “bog bog sarado” from 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 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 learned 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, doctors say.
Vitamins already present in food are usually enough for a normal person if his diet is otherwise well-balanced, they add.

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 it's better to make an exit with grace.