March is “National Nutrition Month” (U.S.)

Food is nourishment for the body; however food alone is not enough; there is a spiritual connection that provides peace, hope, joy and fulfillment to carry on each day. It is the type of nourishment that was ministered by Yolanda Adams the other night at Koinonia Missionary Baptist Church. It was spiritual nourishment, uplifting energy, vitality and pleasure; like the way you feel when you have an awesome meal – you praise the cook or server while wiggling your toes. Those who attended the ministry and songs of Yolanda Adams undoubtedly received spiritual nourishment, they made a lifestyle choice to nourish and de-stress by receiving spiritual food.

Eating healthy can reduce the risk or chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes – which are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Although chronic diseases are among the most common health problems, they are also among the most preventable. By adopting healthy eating habits, physical activities and an optimistic lifestyle the disturbing effects of these diseases can be controlled.

What exactly are the nutrients?

“Food – nourishment, nutriment and substance, nutrition is the provision, to cells and organisms, of the materials necessary (in the form of food) to support life. Many common health problems can be prevented or alleviated with good nutrition.”

Different foods provide different kinds of nutrients:

• Proteins (lean meats, eggs, beans, nuts, and tofu) help build muscle and a strong immune system.
• Carbohydrates (starches, oats, sugar and whole grains that also provide fiber) give you energy.
• Fats (nuts, avocados, fish are healthy fats) provide essential fatty acids and extra energy.
• Vitamins and minerals (usually available in fruits, vegetables and whole grains) regulate body function, improve cell performance and help build a strong immune system.

Are you are getting enough:

If we lived in a perfect world all the nutrients needed would come from food. The vitamins and minerals our bodies need to thrive should come from the food we eat. However, cooking, microwaving and processed foods have stripped much of the nutritional content. Also, there are toxins in our food, water and air, as well as our over stressed bodies. The nutrient content in food has decreased due to our depleted soils. According to the bible, God instructed the people to work the land for six years and let it rest on the seventh year. (Read Lev. 25:1-7).

Because of the lack of proper nutrition in our foods many people take vitamin supplements. The Journal of the American Medical Association (2002) published a study which recommended that all adults should take multivitamin supplements to help prevent chronic diseases. Although some doctors still may not recommend multivitamins, others do.

Living Healthy Tips If a healthy lifestyle matters to you, make sure you are providing your body the nutrition needed. When it comes to vitamins don’t select them solely on the cost. Always read the label and compare when it comes to price. The best source of vitamins is whole food vitamins – and yes, they cost more and this is why: Whole foods are not synthetic (made up in a lab) your body absorbs vitamins and other nutrients from natural sources better than synthetic (artificial) these are foods in their natural, unprocessed states. When shopping for vitamins inquire about vitamins formulated for your gender or age group, because your particular needs may differ from others. If you are not sure where to begin, a multivitamin may be the choice for you – it should include a full range of vitamins and minerals to meet essential nutritional needs. Nutrition does not begin and end for March, it is a lifestyle habit.