This is a vast topic. There are certain food items that cause illnesses to healthy persons. Wise men always go in for the foods which are an aid to their health—this can happen only when they are aware of suitability of a particular edible food. But, certain food items are taken per chance, under circumstantial compulsions (as in travel) or due to paucity thereof. All ‘Do and Don’t’s’ do not apply to all persons alike. Here the point, under consideration, is that foods which are generally regarded to harm each and every person, should be avoided. Following hints many drive home the emphasis which is desired to be conveyed.
Food has already been blamed for various diseased conditions of the human body and food allergy is one of the chief factors which precipitate many skin, digestive, respiratory, urinary and cardiac problems, apart from gout, rheumatism, cancer, diabetes etc. Problem arises when one insists on and persists with a particular edible item, knowing fully well that he will be inviting health problems only, by ingestion of such harmful eatables, In such a state of affairs, when a person is hell bent upon spoiling his health by resorting to intake of wrong foods, nobody can help, You can advise only an ignorant person, but not a well informed and intelligent person. By preaching we cannot reform anybody but, by persuasion and sincere advice even, the ‘stickers’ could be, at least, motivated to change their food habits. Regional food bias, and priorities play an important sincerely aware and conscious about upkeep of his health, no effort is needed to motivate and persuade him while others should be better left ,to their fate, to relish the sad outcome of their wrong food habits.
Never use any food item which is not fresh, stale, foul smelling, deshaped and withered. No cut, exposed and ready-made foods/ fruits/juices etc. should ever be taken. It is always better to avoid such foods.
- Strong and pungent spices should not be used in any preparation, especially those known to cause health problems. For such matters, fried food, fast food, highly seasoned and cooked vegetables and meats, chats, soups, jaljeeras, sonth etc. are advised to be avoided. Persons, who often easily fall prey to stornatitis. Sore throat, tonsilitis, laryngitis, burning sensation after eating, sour and acid eructations, burning in urine, should, as a rule, prefer bland diet instead of heavily spiced hot, pungent foods.
- Meat diets, poultry food, dairy products should be avoided by all diabetics, instead they should shift over to the habit of vegetarian diet only.
- Blood Pressure (High) heart problems, sticky and clammy stools owe their origin to saturated fats which, in turn, raise cholesterol level in the blood. Not only the patients but even the normally healthy persons, should cut down quantity of fat intake. Vegetable ghee, red meats, milk, butter, clarified butter, khoya (condensed milk) and all sweatmeats have enough of fat content in them. Hence, they should always be avoided and substituted by low fat oils (unsaturated) like soyabean oil, corn oil, ground nut oil and til oil.
- Sugar is a main source of carbohydrates which provides energy to the body. But excessive intake of this essential nutrient is the cause of diseases like diabetes and obesity. Right from the age of 40, start tapering down gradually sugar intake—particularly crystal (white) sugar, honey, jaggery are considered better substitutes for white refined sugar. Obese, diabetic, sedentary persons, having aversion to physical activity and exercise, lose their right to use of sugar.
- Similarly protein-rich foods (like pulses, fish, cheese, nuts, beans, especially soyabeans) should be avoided by the gouty persons, as they tend to raise serum uric acid which is the chief monster in causing gouty conditions. This does not apply to diabetics who require high protein but low carbohydrate diet.
- Never eat any vegetable or fruit which is canned or cold storaged or off seasonal, for the simple reason that they are bereft of any nutritional value and are also costlier.
- While attending parties, functions and celebrations, feasts never forget that your palate and taste should remain under your control. Eat only what suits you and not what others say. Always be guided by your own needs and never overeat.
- Avoid tea, coffee, chocolates, cocoa, sweets, cold drinks, unhygienic fruit or vegetable juices, cane juice. If, however, juices are desired, it is always better to have them extracted at home.
- Drinking, smoking or use of tobacco, in any form, is harmful for health. Occasional use of such thing is not objectionable, but proper and timely restraint is a watchword for better living.
- Avoid too cold or too hot drinks. Care should be taken to make sure that cold drink is not taken immediately after the hot and vice versa. Similarly, too hot or too cold foods also are harmful for health.
Try to be your own master and determine, follow and stick to your dietary pattern, keeping in view the aforesaid points.
