Chocolate bars, chips, pastries and jube jubes. There are few people who have had access to these processed foods who do not develop recurrent cravings for them – everyone has a favorite “taste” and a favorite time to eat these sinfully delicious treats. We enjoy eating these types of food because they stimulate the thousands of taste receptors on our tongue which in turn stimulate the reward and enjoyment portion of our brain. Our enjoyment of sugary, fatty foods in their virgin form and limited quantities is natural – by searching out and finding these foods our ancestors were provided with the energy needed to survive harsh conditions and hard work with limited available sources of calories. However, in our new age of sedentary lifestyles and processed foods the long term health effects of eating too much modern day junk can be detrimental to our physical and mental well-being. In may then be of no surprise that a new science has been developed by the food industry that hijacks our brain- finding out what the perfect combinations of salt, sugar and fat are designed to trigger downright addicting behaviors in human food consumption. So how can you avoid these traps? Reduce your processed food consumption. Doing this will offer so many health benefits and save you money! Starting the New Year off with health. With the New Year upon us comes a fresh start – Spring is on the way, the days are getting longer, and the cool January air fills our lungs with freshness and energy. The New Year can also serve as a fresh mental start to goals and aspirations – and one goal that almost everyone has is improving their health and wellness as well as the health and wellness of their family. Small changes can make big differences when it comes to our health – so, when it comes to changing our eating habits often “cutting down” versus “cutting out” is the goal. However, when it comes to the consumption of “junk food” it seems that even seemingly lower amounts can have huge negative effects. What’s scarier? The largest effects from junk food consumption are seen in adolescence! A recent Harvard study found that children consuming junk food high in fat and sugar more than 3 times a week had a 40% increase in the rate of asthma! And the risk of eczema and rhinitis also increased. Not surprisingly, the study also found that the consumption of fruit appeared to safeguard children with these ailments – with those consuming more than 3 portions a week reducing their symptoms by 11-14%. Staying on the same topic of healthy eating – it is no coincidence that within the same week another Harvard study was released finding that berries show heart boosting effects for women: 3 or more servings of blueberries or strawberries a week may slash a woman's chance of heart disease by as much as 33%! Women who ate these berries less frequently had a higher risk of heart disease, even if they consumed other fruits and vegetables. These two studies point out two important points: The first being that what you eat truly affects your overall current and future health, and the second being that simple dietary changes CAN make a huge difference.
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November 2017
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