In fact several key studies were done to determine why certain areas around world had low incidents of heart disease and cancer. Evidence suggested that these low rates were attributed to diet. And in all these studies vitamin supplementation was virtually nonexistent. These areas of study have included Mediterranean region, Japan, France, Arctic, Africa and South America. It was found that these cultures contained diets with foods rich in natural antioxidants.

Some of these foods include fresh and cooked vegetables, wild greens, fruits, wine and variety of nuts. Compared to American diet these diets contained higher contents of unrefined carbohydrates and/or higher fish contents and much lower quantities of red meat, hydrogenated fat and dairy products.

One reason why vitamin supplements have become so popular in North America is type of lifestyle we lead. As a result of our busy, fast – paced way of life we find less and less time to prepare proper well balanced meals. Most of us, therefore, are not getting enough essential vitamins and nutrients from our diet. We are eating too much of wrong foods and often feel tired and burned out.

Instead of improving our eating habits, we get sold on pitch that we need vitamin supplements to increase strength and vitality. If we had well balanced diets in first place, we wouldn’t have to throw away large sums of money on supplements, vast majority of which are completely ineffective.

The wiser thing to do is try to incorporate some of these diet patterns that have been proven beneficial to health in regions mentioned earlier. First of all we must increase fish intake and decrease consumption of red meat. Increase intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole unrefined carbohydrates and decrease amount of simple carbohydrates like sugar and products with white flour, saturated and hydrogenated fats – made from animal sources, margarines, creamy dressings and dips, and gravies. In other words, decrease amount of processed food.

Furthermore, when combining a well balanced diet with regular exercise participation, health benefits become tenfold. You will become more relaxed and able to sleep better. Your energy threshold will be increased, enabling you to perform at a higher level while feeling less tired. You will lose weight, your health and appearance will improve, and you’ll feel better about yourself.

References:

1 http://www.clevelandclinic.org, “Fighting heart disease: Should you be “pro” or “anti” antioxidants”, retrieved 29 Oct. 2004 from http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/guide/disease/cad/vitamin_e.htm

You will find that a lot of these older people possess a sense of inner peace, and many are very proud of their longevity. In addition, these people are testament to multitude of studies conducted on many benefits of exercise. One of which is improved psychological condition.

In fact physical activity may have a multifold effect on a person’s psychological state. First of all, evidence has shown that certain forms of exercise trigger release of chemical substances in brain which have a positive effect on mental attitude.

Secondly, regular exercise improves body composition, by reducing body fat and increasing lean body mass. As a result a person’s physical appearance improves and becomes more appealing, triggering feelings of accomplishment and self satisfaction.

Consequently, subject’s self image improves as state of mind switches to a more positive level. Being in this state more often, enables person to be more resourceful, better able to handle crisis situations. As we can see, benefits of exercise participation come in a snow ball type of effect.

Along with improved physical appearance and psychological condition, there are many other health benefits of regular exercise. Exercise participation, studies show, has tremendous positive effects on human health. Even a low intensity exercise activity like walking, for example, can substantially improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. (4)

In summary, exercise activity, whether in form of an organized extra curricular activity, or a product of a particular lifestyle, is a legitimate factor in living a long life. Although there is no one secret ingredient to longevity, exercise plays a very important role. There are other factors that come in to play as well such as preventative nutrition, stress management and avoidance of excessive lifestyles.

Striving to maintain a good balance between all above factors and to follow a principle of variety and moderation with all aspects of life would be good advice.

References:

1 CNN.com, “Diabetes and heart disease: Overcoming odds”, retrieved 15 Jan. 2005 from http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DA/00052.html

2 healthandage.com, “Centenarians - The Role of Genetics”, retrieved 16 Jan. 2005 from http://www.healthandage.com/PHome/gid2=2899

3 http://www.hsph.harvard.edu, “Study Finds that Both Weight and Exercise Are Key to Longevity”, retrieved 17 Jan. 2005 from http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/press/releases/press12222004.html

4 http://www.physsportsmed.com, “Exercise in Treating Hypertension - Tailoring Therapies for Active Patients”, retrieved 18 Jan. 2005 from http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2002/03_02/lowenthal.htm