Family Health And Nutrition In 21st Century

Around a century back, in our grandparents’ time, it was rare to find anyone overweight or suffering from lifestyle disorders like diabetes and hypertension. People were very healthy and fit and had abundant stamina for the whole day. But today, one in four people is believed to be stricken with either Type 2 Diabetes or obesity or heart disease. They do not have even half the energy levels our ancestors’ had. This raises a question in our minds. Where did we lose our way? Being aware of your family health history is an important part of a lifelong wellness plan.

Why were our ancestors healthier?

Studies point out that our parents and grandparents had better eating habits than our current generation. Refined oil was not yet invented in their times, and food used to be cooked mostly in cold-pressed oils like sesame oil. These oils retained their natural nutrients since they were extracted using low temperatures. Junk food as a concept had not yet developed in those days. People used to eat only home-cooked foods prepared in healthy oils.

Junk food – The Mother of Misery

Now a days, people are just stuffing themselves with food without bothering to check whether their food is healthy or not. Their busy work schedule does not allow them time to prepare food. They mostly resort to eating roadside snacks that contain only empty calories. These junk foods are made using reheated oil, making them even more unhealthy.

When oils are reheated, toxic compounds are released in the oil. That is closely linked with a dreaded disease like cancer or Alzheimer’s. Junk food are in demand. Food-stall owners capitalize on the situation by repeatedly reheating the same oil to maximize their profits. Most of these snacks are made using oils that contain saturated and trans fats, which cause arteries to get clogged, leading to strokes or heart attacks.

Type 2 Diabetes and heart ailments is so Acceptable

Excess consumption of unhealthy foods and lack of exercise has given us all bulging waistlines and lifestyle diseases like Type 2 diabetes. Now a days We see more young people being diagnosed with blockages in their arteries or hypertension. People are giving too little importance to fitness unlike our earlier generation. Which is leading to skin problems, poor eyesight, a low bone density, to name a few issues. If we want to set an excellent example for the coming generations, we need to take proactive steps for our family health. Those steps can include choosing healthier oils for cooking our food.

Right Pick for Family Health:

If you have to eat outside food, make sure that you are not eating stale foods or fried foods. At home, you need to choose healthy oils for cooking with all the essential nutrients to make the food more nutritious and wholesome for your family. Avoid consumption of fried oil which has already reached smoke point. 

Below are some of the useful food tips which will help maintain your family’s wellbeing:

1. Choose oil for cooking that contains less than 4 grams of saturated fats per tablespoon and more beneficial fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Oils from corn, canola, olive, safflower, and sunflower are some good examples!
2.  When eating food outside or buying ready to eat foods, read the ingredients label to ensure the oil does not contain trans fats
3.  Avoid foods from road site eateries that use reheated oil to prepare them
4.  You can use cold-pressed oils like olive, coconut, or sesame oil for your salad dressings. It not only improves the flavor but also provides you with antioxidants and other essential nutrients like vitamin E with anti-inflammatory qualities. They also contain oleic acid which is a great immunity enhancer
5.  Consume oils that have omega 3 fatty acids. They are wonderful for your body since your body cannot synthesize them on its own. 
6. By putting this knowledge and tips into practice, you can give yourself and your family a healthy diet and lifestyle. This can be an excellent example to follow for future generations. Whether we care to agree or not, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that if you do not feel good, then nothing will work in your favor!

The Oil of 21st Century

Mustard oil is an excellent oil to use in this 21st century. It is becoming quite popular because of its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It safeguards the body against all infections, including those of the digestive tract. Mustard oil is also high in monounsaturated fatty acids that prevent heart diseases by lowering bad cholesterol.