NEW SERIES – How to Use Whole Foods for Health

This week, we start a brand new series of very practical posts on using WHOLE FOODS for creating outstanding health.  Why do this?

In the West, and in the nations generally perceived to be “Western”  (U.S., Most of Europe, Australia/NZ), we find that we are at present faced with a more or less common set of chronic diseases; Heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers being the most prominant.  Interestingly, we now also find that nations that have relatively recently undergone “Westernization” (economically speaking) such as China, India, Ireland, and others, are faced with…guess what?  — Explodingly high rates of the same chronic diseases; Heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and (increasingly) certain cancers again being the most prominant.   What is the connection here?  What if we could identify and address the factor(s) that have been contributing to high rates of chronic diseases in the West, and now increasingly Globally? 

Research suggests that ONE factor that is common in the genesis of numerous chronic diseases is the consumption of processed, refined, and denatured foods.  Here is what I see to be the crux of the problem, for those in either the West or in the ”Westernizing” nations:

1.  People in the West have historically been unfamiliar with certain whole foods that are powerhouses of nutrition and have uncommon ability to create health; Thus, the common question:  What exists past whole wheat flour, please?  The answer:  A LOT!   Whole rye, whole barley, whole millet, whole spelt, whole lentil flour(s), lentil flour flat breads — these are the foods that have traditionally been used down the centuries across the rest of the globe.  Sadly, these health-packed foods are alien to most in the West, and are not common to the Western vocabulary.

2.  On the other hand, people in the East and in other parts othe world have historically been deeply familiar with the grains and flours I have mentioned above, as well as with a plethora of other health-generating Whole Foods.  But, those across the globe who in recent years have adapted to their new “Westernized” lives as a result of rapid Industrialization, have now all but given up these traditional foods.  They too are now mass consumers of the “fast-food” culture — burgers, pizzas, and shakes rule the day, along with sedentary, stress-filled lifestyles.

So,  let’s get to the point — Why write on Whole Foods? 

1.  To let the Western audience(s) know and learn about the treasures that exist past Whole Wheat Flour, and how to use them greatly to improve their chances of preventing chronic diseases, AND

2. To urge those around the rest of the world who have already turned their backs on Whole Foods, or are in the process of doing so, to reverse or correct course in order to bypass the many dangers ahead.

The perspective of utilizing Whole Foods for creating health must not be dismissed as one that is overly simplistic.  There is overwhelming evidence to lead us to conclude that the majority of “Western” (and now increasingly, Global) diseases are conditions that are primarily related to nutritional, lifestyle, and metabolic causes.  And, a very simple, yet potent way both to prevent and improve outcomes for these diseases is to start by consuming Whole Foods.  In doing so, we are focusing directly on remediating one of the most key contributing causes of the Western and Global chronic disease epidemic.

….Now, here is the treat you are in for over the coming weeks.  Not only will you learn about new Whole Foods, you will also learn about  mouth-watering ways to enjoy them.  I will share some traditional recipes from around the globe that I have labored over the years both to collect and perfect, and I will share how scientific research ratifies the use of these foods for long term health and wellness.   

I will continue to write articles and opinion pieces on other topics as well; However, you can look for posts related to Whole Foods under the Category: Whole Foods Series. 

STAY TUNED – You can’t afford not to!