The Value of Eating

Eating is a habit that contribute to ones health, the most. Eating is an involuntary yet conscious action. That's why it can be shaped over time. Eating is  a freedom of everyone. Not like our ancestors in the past, where they were somewhat 'forced' or 'forbidden' to eat certain types of food. Nowadays, we can choose to eat to almost everything from everywhere, the only limit is of course choice and taste and of course to certain extent budget.

On the other hand, nutrition of the food we eat is beyond our control. It is a process whereby the food we eat is digested and assimilated until it is absorbed in our body.

There are at least Three important basic food qualities that we must taken into account when eating:

1. Our food must be clean and hygienic

The term clean must be noted, in which the food we eat must not contain pathogenic microorganisms. Salmonellosis, a form of serious gastroenteritis, is caused by the bacteria salmonella. Botulism caused by Clostridium botulinum, most frequently occurs from eating contaminated canned food. There are more causes of food-borne infection but the good news is that it can be traced and eventually treated. Therefore, cleanliness of food is very important but not a ticket for healthy body. Other factor we must take into account is calori.

2. Calories

The problem now in most developed countries is not the lack of calorie (of course still in cases of eating disorder) but due to the overintake of calorie. The quality and value of the diet is not only determined by the calories alone, but also to the nutritional value of the food eaten.

As an example, refined carbohydrates, may supply with the same calories as a complete diet, but the quality will be very low. (Imagine eating white bread all through the day).

White sugar may also give the same amount of calories as brown sugar or honey but of course the nutritional quality differs greatly, thus it is important to consider the nutritional value obtained rather than considering the calorie only.

3. Protein

We may have heard about the importance of protein. (that we must eat it as much as possible for our body), yet this claim had been studied over and over again. Lately, the WHO suggested that 0.75 gram of protein / kg of body weight is sufficient for daily consumption.

It is known now that the excess of protein in the diet can cause Rheumatic diseases, osteoporosis, kidney damage, and excess uric acid (that eventually lead to gout).

Protein does not mainly comes from animal source alone. Nowadays, doctors will often suggest that protein be taken from plant-sources such as beans (soy beans) and nuts. Therefore we must limit the intake of animal-source protein.


Excess protein leads to faster development?

Oh yes, sure! but have you noticed that the faster you grow, the faster you will die. It is very unwise to go against the law of nature. If we take food just as enough for the day, it will make our life less complicated. studies have noted that modern food contributed to early puberty among children in developed nation. This will cause social problem, health problem, physical problem and emotional problems to them. Therefore, food may give you a better physique but not always a better mind.

Therefore,  please judge your food before you eating.

Eat wise and live wisely