Everyone knows about the tremendous benefits of a healthy diet, but there is a lot of confusion about how exactly to define a good healthy diet. Some of the confusion comes from misinformation, some from outdated information, and some from people who simply want to sell you a bill of goods.
There are actually several different healthy diets practiced by various populations around the globe. They all have certain common characteristics. Very little red meat, and less meat overall, with a much greater emphasis on vegetables. Plenty of fish, especially fatty fish that are high in Omega 3 fatty acids, such as lake trout, salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna, herring, and sardines. Whole grains. Soy and soy products such as tofu and miso. Lowfat dairy. Alcohol, particularly wine, in moderation. Little saturated fat, but plenty of healthy oil such as olive oil and canola.
Cutting too much fat from your diet is not healthy. Your body requires fat in order to function properly. But many fats are not healthy. With the exception of fish, animal fats should be limited. But even many vegetable oils are way too high in Omega 6 fatty acids. Omega 6 is not bad for you per se. You need some, but many people get far too much in their diet. The ideal ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 is 1:1, but the typical American diet is 20:1 and as high as 50:1. It's best to avoid corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, and soy oil, and products that contain them. Absolutely avoid any hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats.
A healthy diet will be nutrient rich, but with only as many calories as you need. Superfoods such as kelp, dulse, wakame, and other sea vegetables, spirulina, chlorella, and blue-green algae, make a great addition to your menu.
0 comments:
Post a Comment