Download Keep it Simple: The Power of Raw Fruits and Vegetables

Keep it Simple: The Power of Raw Fruits
and Vegetables
South Texas Academy for Medical Professions
Claudia Garza, RN BSN
TODAY’S PRESENTATION WILL COVER:
• Chronic diseases that are typically seen in adults but are being seen in
adolescents and even children
• Why choosing nutrient dense foods can help us prevent certain
illnesses
• The kinds of nutrients that can be found in raw fruits and vegetables
and what those nutrients are capable of doing in our bodies
• How we can incorporate more fruits and vegetables into our daily diet
• Sources for raw fruits and vegetables in our community
• Where we can find reliable sources of dietary and nutritional
information so that we can continue learning and incorporating our
skills into our families daily diets
ILLNESSES: PAST AND PRESENT
Our environment, society and culture can impact our health
1900 causes of death
National Center for disease statistics
Issues impacting death rates
• 1. Influenza/ Pneumonia
•
Poor Hygiene
•
2. Tuberculosis
•
Lack of vaccines and antibiotics
•
3. Diarrhea/enteritis
•
Minimal public knowledge on disease processes
•
4. Heart disease
•
•
5. Stroke
Mininmal laws governing the sale and
production of food and medications
•
6. Kidney disease
•
Lack of public water filtration systems
•
7. Accidents
•
8. Cancer
•
9. Senility,
•
10. Diptheria
ILLNESSES: PAST AND PRESENT
Our environment, society and culture can impact our health
2011 Causes of death
Issues impacting death rates
Nattional Vital Statistics Report 10/10/12
•
1. Heart disease
•
2. Cancer
•
3. Chronic lower resp. diseases
•
4. Cerebrovascular disease
•
5. Accidents
•
6. Alzheimer’s
•
7. Diabetes
•
8. Influenza / Pneumonia
•
9. Nephritis
•
10. Intentional Self Harm
• Marketing of food
• Processed /Convenience food
• Decreased physical activity
• Chemicals / Preservatives in
our environment
• Busy lives work, school,
community
ILLNESSES AFFECTING US AND OUR
CHILDREN
• Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer
are not only the leading causes of death in our nation but
are now affecting our children in increasing numbers
• Although obesity is not a disease, it has become one of the
biggest risk indicators for many chronic illnesses
• http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/obesitycost/epide
mic.php
• We are also seeing a rise in Gastrointestinal issues, allergies
and sensitivities to food, mental/emotional disorders,
autoimmune diseases
SO WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT IT?
"Those who
think they
have no time
for healthy
eating will
sooner or later
have to find
time for
illness."
- modified from : Edward
Stanley (1826-1893) from
The Conduct of Life
WE CHANGE OUR BEHAVIOR
We start
choosing
foods for
their
nutrients
Nutrients
Fiber
Phytochemicals
Raw
Fruits and
Veggies
Enzymes
Biophotons
Water
ENZYMES
• Enzymes make sure that the chemical reactions that are
need to take place in our bodies are occurring.
• They also serve as inspectors of quality control when it
comes to our DNA replication
• They assist in the digestive process by aiding in breaking our
food down to chemicals that can be used by our bodies
• Enzymes do not tolerate heat above 104 degree F. That is
why it is important to get as much raw fruits and veggies as
possible
What are Nutrients
Chemical elements that are essential for a living organism
to maintain wellness
NUTRIENTS
• Macronutrients – large chemical compounds
protients
fats
carbohydrates
Micronutrients – are smaller chemical elements that our body needs in small amounts
vitamins
minerals
and any other dietary chemical essential to normal growth, development
and function
PHYTOCHEMICALS
• Chemicals that plants have such as hormones that are used
to protect the plant, give the plant color, and smell but are
also beneficial to us.
Other common name(s): antioxidants, flavonoids,
flavones, isoflavones, catechins, anthocyanidins,
isothiocyanates, carotenoids, allyl sulfides, polyphenols
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/c
omplementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandmi
nerals/phytochemicals
BIOPHOTONS
Very low level
lights that cells
from living
organisms emit
FIBER
• Part of a plant that we can’t really digest
WATER
• Essential
How can we incorporate more fruit and
vegetables into our daily diet?
• Stop buying for convenience and plan ahead
• Pack easy fruit and veggie snacks such as apples, carrots,
celery sticks
• Try to fill half or more of your plate with veggies and fruits
• Freeze fruits so that they can be cool treats
• Puree veggies to make salsas and dips
• Use large leafy veggies as wraps instead of breads or tortillas
• Prepare bags of salad so that you don’t have to prepare
everyday
Sources for raw fruits and vegetables in our community
• Farmers’ Markets
• Flea Markets
• Grocery Stores
• Nurseries
Where can we get more information?
• Our school library
• Public library
• Online websites like Medline Plus
• Texas A&M agricultural extension office
• Harvard school of public health website
• Hospital community outreach courses
Let food be thy medicine and
medicine be thy food –
Hippocrates