Food is life
We cannot negate the fact that Filipinos, especially Ilonggos, are foodies. In fact, their form of bonding can be cooking lessons or simply chatting around a table full of food. It is no a wonder why food chains like restaurants and even carinderias are all over the land, right
But did you know that this trait is contributory to the top killing disease in the Philippines? According to World Health Organization, five out of ten causes of deaths are lifestyle diseases; and 25 percent of these diseases are influenced by food intake – food choices and habits so as nutritional deficiency.
According to a book by Lyle MacWilliam entitled “NutriSearch,” nutritionists and related experts were able to find out that nutrition cannot be solely dependent on food for it no longer can provide the nutrients our body requires for optimal health. It has been said that because of the changing ways of how food is produced and processed, nourishment is no longer met for individuals. We are very much aware how agriculture today is different from before. The focus now is not on the quality of the produce but the meeting of the demand of produce; thus, massive planting in a fast-pace cycle never allowing the soil to regain its fertile state.
Another reason why people have degenerating lifestyle is the fact that we live in fast-progressing world. In order for individuals especially working ones to pace up with the demands in their respective professions, they will choose those foods which are easily prepared; have you ever heard of instant foods? Perhaps, fastfood eh? Little did we know that this petty detail of everyday life can drastically change our lives in the long run! Imbalanced and almost unhealthy food choices causes our cells to slowly bag down thus; bodies getting weaker and unable to sustain its healthy state. Lastly, we know that today’s world is no longer free from chemically grown foods, right? Like what I’ve said, there is a great demand for food so agriculture needs to be hastened and since the soil no longer contains the nourishment plants demands, farmers ended up ising up fertilizers to boost it and even showers it with pesticides so to keep it in good “aesthetic” quality. What’s interesting is that as soon as it lands the market, some vendors, to keep their produce look vibrant and fresh sprays the so-called “formalin”! Isn’t it amazing? You’re still alive but your system is slowly penetrated by the chemicals for the dead! Of course, this does not only speaks of agriculture but also livestocks. The things growers do to hasten profit generation include unhealthy, chemical-based feeds and uncareful system and technology.
Oh, the wonders pretty obvious to mankind but often disregarded! I can say that food is really life! But most important thing to bear in mind is that, “Is the food you’re eating really helps you live life optimally or its slowly taking life away from you?” Unhealthy food together with stress, sedentary lifestyle and vices causes lifestyle diseases that kill one person every 40 seconds. Dare to make the difference by taking charge of your life – your health. As the famous maxim goes, “Health is wealth” so be healthy and live life to the fullest!