Choosing the right foods to fight chronic diseases
There is no longer any doubt that food is our first medicine. It took the agro-food manufacturers to demonstrate excessive marketing for consumers to finally become aware that their acts of purchase had a significant influence on the commercial decisions of large groups.
“Buying with eyes closed” and “trusting” are no longer relevant. Distrust and instruction are necessary for, shopping cart in hand, strolling along the aisles of supermarkets. So many people are moving towards so-called local, organic businesses that are respectful of food and the circuits it takes.
Eating poorly is detrimental to health . It is with this certainty in mind that INRA researchers in Clermont-Ferrand, specializing in human nutrition, are carrying out a study which aims, in an exhaustive manner, to establish links between various chronic diseases, known as civilization diseases, and specific food groups.
What the study finds
Already, it can identify trends which, as informed consumers suspected very well, guide the choices relating to purchases. Through food, households seek to potentiate their state of health.
For INRA researchers, Anthony Fardet and Yves Boirie, there are no less than ten chronic diseases, related to an unbalanced diet:
- Overweight and consequent obesity
- Type II Diabetes
- Mental health dysfunction
- Dysfunction of bone health
- Chronic digestive diseases
- Chronic liver diseases
- Chronic kidney disease
- Cardiovascular illnesses
- Cancers of all types
- Sarcopenia or muscle wasting
Following this observation, the specialists stripped syntheses relating to their subject of study dating from 1950 to our days. This work makes it possible to identify interesting lines of force because some of them can be converted into clear and therefore useful nutritional recommendations for consumers.
How to behave better?
So that this research does not remain confined within the walls of the laboratory, it must be exploited, demonstrated and published so that the behavior of households is modified according to the results of the study.
Already, the work validates the main nutritional rules known until then but contradicts some received ideas such as that on milk which is poorly digested and whose consumption should be limited. Indeed, according to the study, drinking it does not carry a major risk of chronic diseases like other dairy products or other foods such as poultry or fish. The study indicates that the vegetarian diet provides particularly interesting nutrients (as indicated by our dietician-nutritionist in our page dedicated to this vegetarian diet ).
Another common misconception is to confuse “not at all” with “in moderation”. This is the case with red meat and processed meat such as charcuterie. Not consuming them excessively does not mean not consuming them at all! The same goes for refined grains, sugary drinks, eggs, brines and very hot tea.
On the other hand, nuts, oilseeds, legumes, fruits and vegetables can be consumed without restraint . Pistachios, peanuts, chickpeas, almonds, lentils, walnuts and hazelnuts, white and red beans, flax and sesame seeds, broad beans, cashew, Brazil and pecan nuts, lupins… are all suppliers of energy in lipids and proteins. Essential for the proper functioning of the body and the mind, they are easy to keep and have, moreover, a low cost .
This study therefore validates the programs that the WHO (World Health Organization) makes available to households for the prevention of so-called civilization diseases.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.