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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

John Tiniakos is the author of NL Natural Weight Loss Program which can be found at http://www.nulife-weightloss.com/natural.htm. He also writes a free monthly newsletter with valuable news, tips and advice on diet, health and weight loss. For a free subscription go to http://www.nulife-weightloss.com/natural.htm.