How To Know Natural Food Guidelines

People in all walks of life want to be physically fit and healthy.  People are always seeking ways and means to discover the secret of longevity.  What should be done to discover the secret of strength and youth? Food is one of the body’s basic needs.  What would be the best guidelines and regulations when it comes to natural food?

1. Food should be free from additives, preservatives, food colorings, too much sodium and sugar. Too much sodium may increase the risk of high blood pressure, while sugar may increase the risk of acquiring diabetes mellitus. Natural herbs and spices must be used to enhance the flavor of food. Some examples of these are garlic, onions and ginger, which do not only add flavor to food, but also contain some therapeutic substances that are good for the body’s healing and rejuvenation.
2. Complex carbohydrates should be eaten rather than simple carbohydrates. Examples of foods that contain complex carbohydrates are potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, brown rice, corn, wheat and oats. Complex carbohydrates reduce the risk of developing colon cancer, for they act like brooms sweeping the toxins from the body. Food containing simple sugars such as white bread, muffins, biscuits, and cakes cause an increase of blood sugar and cases of constipation.
3. Organically grown fruits and vegetables should be preferred, meaning to say the soil where the fruits and vegetables were grown have not been treated with insecticides and pesticides, and no commercial fertilizers had been added.
4. Fresh vegetables and fruits should be preferred. They are rich in natural enzymes that are needed by the body for proper functioning of the different major organs.
5. Refrain from eating deep-fried foods or foods with hydrogenated fat or oil, like cookies and biscuits. Hydrogenated fat increases the risk of developing plaque in the blood vessels. Plant oil should be preferred to animal oil. Corn oil, canola oil, sesame oil, virgin olive oil as well as virgin coconut oil should be used. Some food experts have found virgin olive oil and virgin coconut oil to be the best for the body.
6. When buying meat and poultry, organically raised animals should also be considered.

The person's age and health are also factors when using natural food.

1. Growing children have different food and health needs than adults.
2. Pregnant and lactating mothers have different needs.
3. Athletes have different food and health needs from those who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
4. People who are undergoing chemotherapy as treatment for cancer should have a diet with good nutritional value and avoid preservative rich foods to have a healthy and well-balanced body. The body should be able to cope with the effects of the chemical treatment. Food should be rich with vitamins and minerals that will boost the immune system. Such food should contain vitamins C, A, E and the B-complex vitamins. Foods rich in minerals like potassium, selenium, magnesium and calcium will also help boost the immune system. They also must be free from dyes.