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horseguards
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Which specific foods are vital for long-term health/survival?
Of all of the fad diets tested the paleolithic diet came in dead last as far as health goes.Pythagorean said:There's been a couple updates to that outdated pyramid. There's now a plate, and grains and milk have been reduced, vegetables increased.
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/pyramid/
What's difficult about these things is how much particular food industry lobbyists participate in emphasizing their industry:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8375951
(for instance, milk is always sold as the greatest calcium source, but this isn't true: vegetables are. Also, it's a myth that vegetables aren't complete proteins: celery and iceberg lettuce are complete proteins!)
Consistent with this update, paleolithic diet proponents advocate that you don't really need much grain or milk, and not near as much meat as the USDA claims:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22262579
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21139123
(a paleolithic diet returns us to the diet of our ancestors before modern agriculture)
A diet that includes whole, unprocessed foods is the basis of most all healthy diet recommendations. But so are whole grains, low-fat dairy, and legumes.
Including these food groups will help meet nutritional needs and contribute to a well-balanced diet plan. You can satisfy dietary requirements without these foods, but that requires careful planning and supplementation.
If the Paleo or Caveman diet appeals to you, be sure to supplement the plan with calcium and vitamin D.
Eliminating all grains, dairy, processed foods, sugar, and more will most likely lead to weight loss. But it may be tough to follow this plan long-term due to the diet's strict nature.
Evo said:First problem with the paleo diet, you have to guess that they must mean by early humans, before or after agriculture?
Then they's have to know what region was predominant in your family's lineage during some arbitrary time period they decide on. And that was so long ago, it wouldn't seem to make much sense now. A lot of what was eaten back them doesn't actually still exit in it's original form anyway.Pythagorean said:Very specifically before agriculture, that is the point. The idea being that we evolved to eat foods that develop in diverse regions.
Evo said:Then they's have to know what region was predominant in your family's lineage during some arbitrary time period they decide on. And that was so long ago, it wouldn't seem to make much sense now. A lot of what was eaten back them doesn't actually still exit in it's original form anyway.
Some examples of essential foods for long-term health and wellness include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods provide a variety of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are necessary for maintaining good health.
Essential foods benefit our overall health in many ways. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which help protect our cells from damage. Whole grains provide fiber, which aids in digestion and can lower the risk of heart disease. Lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, and beans, help build and repair tissues in our body. Healthy fats, like those found in avocados and nuts, can improve heart health and lower cholesterol levels.
While there is no guarantee that consuming essential foods will prevent chronic diseases, they can play a significant role in reducing the risk of developing them. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, consuming essential foods can help maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial for preventing chronic diseases.
The amount of essential foods that should be included in a diet varies depending on age, gender, and activity level. As a general guideline, it is recommended to consume at least 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables per day. Whole grains should make up about a quarter of our daily food intake, and lean proteins should be included in every meal. Healthy fats should be consumed in moderation.
Yes, certain essential foods have been shown to have specific health benefits for certain conditions. For example, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseeds, can improve heart health and reduce inflammation. Leafy green vegetables, like spinach and kale, are high in vitamin K, which is important for bone health. Blueberries and other berries are rich in antioxidants and may help improve brain function and memory.