Remove these Misconceptions and Enjoy better Health
M
isconceptions are always harmful irrespective of which field they may be related to. There are many beliefs and opinions that have become very well entrenched in our thinking, but based on factual analysis, turn out to be meaningless. Because they have been accepted to be right for a long time, they have become an essential part of our nature and thinking. Some misbeliefs are related to eating habits, which also have a direct impact on our health. For centuries it has been believed that salt is essential in food to maintain good health. It is considered as a useful and essential ingredient of food just as the other nutrients. However, this is far from the truth. New scientific researches have confirmed that salt is not only inessential but also harmful to the body. It is termed as a slow poison and even an impediment in maintaining good health. Sometime back, a conference of medical experts was organized at Monte Carlo in Monaco. The meeting had focused on finding a lasting solution to the problem of declining human health and on identifying all the factors that
are harmful to it. The conclusions that experts arrived at are very significant. Everyone agreed that artificially cultivated salt is dangerous for health in every way. Only the salt that is naturally present in food items is the most suitable for the human body. The amount of salt that body needs is provided for by nature in ample quantity in foods like green leafy vegetables, and fruits. Other than satiating the craving for taste, there is no other justification for adding any more salt in the diet. The published report of the conference establishes a direct connection between salt and blood pressure (BP). Salt plays a significant role in aggravating blood pressure (BP). Among natural food items as well, the ones with low salt content were found to be more nutritious for the human body. Forest areas and other unapproachable regions still house many human tribes that are entirely unconnected with modern civilization. Their food does not include salt, and so, they are in a better state of health as well. There are many Afghan and Pakhtoon tribes whose lifestyles are still like that of primitive societies. They also do not add salt to the natural food they eat. The next misconception regarding food is the nutritional value of various foods we eat. It is believed that the more we eat food, which is rich in protein and fat, the better protected and healthy our body would be. New facts have emerged through research, which show that the quality of food that promotes good health is not in its calories or quantity of proteins but in how digestible is the food and how well it suits the constitution of the person consuming it. Dr. R. N. Chakravarty researched on monkeys in the Indian Council of Medical Research, Delhi, to study the factors that cause high blood
Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. - Hippocrates Akhand Jyoti
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JULY-AUG. 2020
