Contributed by Jim Nelson, consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
Face it. Most of us have eating habits that could use some improvement. We have heard since we were little bitty kids that we should eat our fruits and vegetables, but do we?
If you are like me, probably not so much! Even after all of these years, a glazed doughnut still usually holds more appeal than, say, a stalk of celery. Like it or not, there is little doubt that there are various diseases and disorders that might be prevented or lessened by the regular oral infusion of various plant life.
Cardiovascular Disease: The incidence and severity of coronary heart disease and stroke has been shown to be significantly lower with those who have relatively high intakes of fruits and vegetables. Myocardial infarction and high blood pressure were also reduced or prevented by the proper diet.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus characterized by abnormally high blood glucose (sugar) levels results from the inability of the body to produce or respond to insulin. DM is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease—the leading cause of death in type 2 diabetics. Some studies suggest that greater consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with improved blood glucose control and lower risk of developing type 2 DM.
Cancer: Both lung cancer and cancers of the digestive tract have been shown to be sensitive to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Various studies show that high intakes of certain classes of fruits or vegetables are associated with reduced risk of individual cancers. Higher intakes of fruits have been associated with modest but significant reductions in lung cancer risk. Bladder and prostate cancers seem to respond to higher intakes of cruciferous (green) vegetables.
Osteoporosis: Higher intakes of fruits and vegetables are associated with significantly higher bone mineral density and lower levels of bone resorption (loss) in men and women .
Age-Related Eye Diseases: Cataracts studies suggest that carotenoid and vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, are associated with decreased incidence and severity of cataracts. Macular Degeneration may be prevented or lessened by some of the substances contained in leafy green vegetables.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Vegetables and especially fruit have value in increasing lung function, according to some European studies. Apples seemed to slow the progress of the disease. Current investigations are centering on vitamin C and flavonoids and their potential to protect the lungs.
Neurodegenerative Disease: Think of your nervous system as a vast cell phone network that allows your body to communicate with itself. You know how frustrated you get when your phone drops a call or the system is slow or a cell tower goes down … you certainly don’t want that sort of thing to happen to your own personal network! Animal studies suggest that diets rich in fruits such as blueberries or tomatoes may help to prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Obesity: Try substituting some mushrooms, spinach, or onions for one of the eggs or part of the cheese in your morning omelet. A little less cheese and a little more lettuce, a little more tomato and a little less lunchmeat in that sandwich, another spoonful of vegetables and a little less meat on your plate will all make a difference. We can only eat so much. Substituting the volume of the vegetables for the same volume of the denser meat or eggs or cheese will fill you up just as nicely, with at least a bit fewer calories. To lose weight, we must take in fewer calories than we burn. Remember, one doughnut equals more carrots than you can carry! (That is just an estimate … I am not a scientist…)
~ Uncle Jim
Jim Nelson is a double lung transplant recipient and a patient advocate for COPD patients throughout the U.S. and around the world. He and his wife, Mary, are well known patient advocates and brand ambassadors for those organizations who tirelessly endeavor to help those individuals who suffer from a variety of respiratory diseases and the caregivers who support them.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.caireinc.com/patients or calling 1-877-704-0878 to talk to an oxygen advisor. When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.