The Healing Qualities Of Food

Research shows that eating a well-balanced diet including plant-based foods has been linked to the prevention of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Having a well-nourished body can give us the ability to deal with stress, whether it be related to illness, injury and/or fatigue. As diabetes educators, we have to opportunity to address diet and life style with those of whom we educate. We can promote a balanced lifestyle by advocating healthy eating, getting enough sleep and exercise.

In the article, .Foods to Help You Mend,. the writer, Carol M. Bareuther, RD, addresses specific foods containing specific nutrients that have the potential for healing or preventing chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Besides consuming adequate calories, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and minerals are the key nutrients for promoting good health and prevention of disease. Since no single food can totally nourish us, variety including type and color should be emphasized in planning a well-balanced diet. Bareuther refers to this as "a rainbow plate."

Two of the most useful entries of information she includes in the article is the reference list from a 2002 research study and a Healing Foods Pyramid web site. The 2002 reference list contains more than fifty fruits and vegetables, nuts, root vegetables and grains that were analyzed to determine the antioxidant content of each food. The article states that this list has been based on many reliable studies.

The Healing Foods Pyramid is a graphic tool depicting foods known to have health benefits. This pyramid was developed by both Monica Myklebust,MD, and Jenna Wunder, MPH, RD. They encourage a balanced lifestyle that integrates mind, body, spirit and emotion. (http://www.med.umich.edu/umim/clinical/pyramid/). This pyramid seems to be a positive dimension to refer to in conjunction with the USDA's MyPyramid, while advocating healthful lifestyle practices.

If you would like to read more on this subject: Bareuther, RD, Carol M., Today.s DIET & NUTRITION, March/April, 2007.

Debra A. Vincent, MA, RD, LDN, CDOE