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As mankind enters the new millennium, never before have we been so well equipped in our quest for longevity. The 20th century brought science tremendously closer to unraveling the mysterious mechanisms of organic life-to the point where we ourselves cloned life in the laboratory. The allied painstaking and brilliant research efforts of innumerable individuals, working in seemingly disparate fields such as public sanitation, pharmacology and immunology have paid off by nearly doubling U.S. life expectancy in just 100 years. In westernized countries today, long life is primarily determined by personal behavior and lifestyle choices rather than random plagues and epidemics of Mother Nature. Although human beings now hold the keys to enduring vitality and health, the question remains: will each of us take advantage of them in time?
Perhaps most consequential of these longevity keys is correct nutrition throughout the lifecycle. Proper nutrition means that all the essential nutrients-carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water-are supplied and utilized in adequate balance to maintain health and well-being. Science has ironically proved true the eternal cliché; you are what you eat. Every morsel of one's diet determines optimum health of the body and the food we eat can either promote or destroy good health over time. Good nutrition is essential for organ and tissue development and maintenance, maximal activity level and efficiency, resistance to infection and disease, as well as the ability to repair bodily damage or injury. It is also indispensable to mental fitness and agility.
A nutritious diet is simply one low in saturated fat; composed mainly of complex carbohydrates and fiber; contains just enough protein and calories to meet energy needs; and provides enough vitamins and minerals for the body to perform essential functions. So what's the problem? If we know we can keep ourselves running longer and healthier than anytime in history provided we consume the right kind of fuel, why do the majority of Americans have such a high rate of diet-related diseases and illness?
As a nation we are overfed and often seriously undernourished.1 Unfortunately, the dietary abundance accompanying the country's growing prosperity has been more of quantity than quality. Processed and refined foods, nutritionally deficient fast food and rich restaurant food have all become staples in the typical American diet. Many mistakenly believe that since they are far from starving, they must be getting enough nourishment. Yet there is a wide chasm between eating to stay alive and choosing a diet that will bring optimal health. Educating oneself in the basics of nutrition is the first step in adopting eating behaviors that will help either prevent chronic disease or relieve existing conditions.
Notes:
1. Sheldon Saul Hendler, M.D., Ph.D. The Complete Guide to Anti-Aging Nutrients, Simon & Schuster, New York back to article
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