Healthy nutrition – why actually?
Numerous scientific studies assume that today more than half of all chronic illnesses in Western cultures are diet-related. This is causally linked to agro-industrial production, which has fundamentally changed our eating habits since the 1950s. The agro-industrial revolution with its huge monocultures made it possible to increase yields many times over, but only at the high price of chemical-contaminated production. Fungicides, herbicides, pesticides, growth hormones, artificial colors, flavor enhancers and preservatives are an integral part of this disease-causing agro-industrial diet.
But this problem also presents a huge opportunity. It is in your own hands to prevent many illnesses and do something lasting for your health by switching to a healthy diet. Healthy eating is the key to a better life.
The basic components of nutrition
Since we will delve deeper into the matter in the following articles and a certain basic knowledge is helpful, we will first describe the basics of nutrition in a simplified manner.
With your diet you absorb the so-called basic substances. These are broken down in the digestive tract and transported into the cells via the blood. Parts that cannot be used and put a strain on the organism are excreted via the intestines, kidneys and other excretory organs.
We differentiate between the so-called
Macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fats)
Micronutrients (minerals, vitamins, trace elements).
Macronutrient protein
Proteins are the most important building materials in our body. They consist of small units called amino acids. Not only are all cells, organs and nerves built from protein molecules, but also hormones, enzymes and messenger substances. Protein is also an energy source.
Macronutrient carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are primarily sources of energy. A distinction is made between simple, double and complex carbohydrates.
Single and double carbohydrates are considered unhealthy because they release insulin very quickly, acidify the organism and only provide short-term energy. They are mainly found in sugary drinks, sweets, pastries and white flour products
Complex carbohydrates are considered healthy. They are slowly broken down in the small intestine, have a slow insulin reaction, a long-lasting energy supply and also provide important vitamins, minerals and fiber. They are mainly contained in whole grain products, legumes, vegetables and fruit.
Macronutrient fats
Fats are very effective energy suppliers (twice as high a calorific value as carbohydrates) and carriers of flavors and aromas. Depending on the type, fats can have very different health effects
Trans fats are extremely unhealthy. They are created by the hardening of vegetable oils and are mainly found in industrially processed foods such as margarine, ready-made baked goods and fast food.
Saturated Fats are also largely unhealthy. They are found mainly in animal products, as well as in some vegetable oils such as coconut and palm oil.
Unsaturated Fats are beneficial to health. They are found in vegetable oils such as olive and sunflower oil, nuts, seeds and fish. They are divided into two main types: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 in particular have many health-promoting properties.
Micronutrients minerals
Minerals are inorganic compounds that come from the earth’s crust and enter the body through nutrition. Calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron in particular play an important role in many biological processes in our body.
Micronutrients vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds that support many vital functions in the body. They are not produced in sufficient quantities by the body and must be supplied through food or supplements.
Vitamins can be divided into two main categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins.
Water-soluble vitamins:
B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) and vitamin C. These vitamins must be consumed daily because the body cannot store them.
Fat-soluble vitamins:
Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored by the body, primarily in the liver and fatty tissue.
Micronutrients trace elements
Trace elements such as zinc, selenium, copper and manganese are inorganic compounds that are absorbed through food. Although the body only needs them in very small amounts, they play a crucial role in the function of enzymes, hormone production and the immune system.
Healthy nutrition is alkaline nutrition
All synthetically chemically produced substances are metabolized in acidic form in the body. They are present in excess in agro-industrial nutrition and gradually destroy our natural acid-base balance, which consists of approximately 70% bases or minerals and 30% acids, or a PH value of 7.4. This balance is the prerequisite for all metabolic processes in the body to run optimally.
But it’s not just chemical pollution that upsets this balance. Agro-industrial nutrition is also characterized by excessive consumption of meat and processed, sugary foods, which further acidify the body. The soils are also depleted due to intensive use and fertilization. As a result, the plants grown on it lose their original nutrient density and can no longer provide enough minerals and trace elements.
By switching to a diet with predominantly alkaline foods, the body’s acid-base balance is brought back into balance. This allows the metabolic processes in the body to run optimally again. Alkaline foods are found in almost all forms of vegetables and fruit, in sprouts and germs, nuts and seeds, as well as in algae, herbs and spices.
Alkaline fasting is ideal as a transition and introduction to an alkaline diet. Starting with a colon cleanse, you do a calorie-reduced treatment with only alkaline foods.
