Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food – Hippocrates
Why Nutrition Counts
Our goal at Mother Earth Meals is to get you to focus your energy and attention on whole foods and avoid all things processed. Researchers and medical professionals believe that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber lowers ones risk of developing many types of cancer. These foods contain nutrients and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and help block the development of cancer. While diet alone may not prevent cancer, it is one recommended area for which we have total control.
So what are antioxidants, you ask? Antioxidants are molecules or compounds that react with free radicals to prevent them from reacting with important cells and physiological structures like DNA. When antioxidant levels are low or when free radicals are high, damage is caused to cells. This is often noted as the foundation of cancer formation and physical signs/symptoms of aging.
Dietary Guidelines
You have heard that “a picture is worth a thousand words”? Well, nutritionists and health care professionals agree. A visual representation that illustrates the elements of a healthy diet is easy to follow and understand. Here are two dietary plans that have served as inspiration at Mother Earth Meals:
- USDA’s Choose My Plate - This simple visual makes meal planning easy. The emphasis is on variety and balance with fruits and vegetables prominently featured.
- Mediterranean Food Pyramid - People who live in the Mediterranean have been shown to have lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and some cancers. This diet consists mostly of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats.
