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Asthma Statistics
New Zealand has the second highest rate of asthma in the world. Many studies implicate free radicals in this debilitating condition and antioxidants, through their free radical fighting ability, can be helpful in reducing the frequency and severity of attacks. It is difficult for many asthmatics to get enough exercise which makes the empty calories of processed foods and snacks even more of a problem. Increasing the intake of nutritionally dense fresh foods containing antioxidant vitamins like whole nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits can thus help fight asthma on two fronts.

Diabetes
Adult onset or Type II diabetes is on the increase and poor diet is one of the main risk factors, namely too may calories and not enough exercise. There has never been a better time to start educating your family on the healthful benefits of eating whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables and cutting down on snack bars, cakes, biscuits and sugar laden drinks. Despite the clever marketing, sugar is sugar no matter the guise or should I say disguise?

Fat Phobia?

Obesity is not only caused by eating excess fat but consuming too many calories from all food sources whether protein, fat or carbohydrate. It is the total calorie intake versus the total amount of energy you burn in exercise which determines bodyweight. Fats are just as important in the diet as protein or carbohydrate, especially in maintaining a healthy nervous system. Low omega-3 fat intake has been linked to increased rates of heart disease, cancer and arthritis. Omega-3’s are found in flax seeds and oil, almonds, walnuts and fresh fish.

Sexy Selenium

Years ago, the trace mineral selenium was found to be very low in New Zealand soils, therefore in our diets. Recently a renaissance in selenium research has found low selenium levels to be a significant risk for several degenerative diseases. The man in your life may be most interested in the research that has found a selenium containing protein - phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (hows that for a mouthful?) in healthy sperm cells. Seems that selenium is critical in protecting developing sperm from free radical damage. The consequence of not having enough selenium is the sperm break apart. This can lead to low counts and infertility.

Strong Bones and Fruit

Most bone density / nutrition studies have concentrated on the calcium portion of the diet but new studies are looking at other micronutrients. A study that looked at middle aged women found that those who ate a lot of fruit in childhood had increased bone density as measured in the neck. It was found that low intakes of potassium, beta-carotene, magnesium and Vitamin C were associated with bone calcium loss. All these nutrients are found in fruits and vegetables.

Read The Label

Its interesting how often I find weight watchers unwilling to use whole milk in their tea or yogurt on their muesli who quite happily buy and consume products advertised as 90% fat free. The fat content of whole milk and yogurt is about 4% (96% fat free). Even the average muesli contains a higher percentage of fat than whole milk. While we are on this subject, are you aware that chicken thighs with the skin removed contain almost double the fat of lean beef? Perception is everything.

The Exercise Paradox