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1.
Butter vs. margarine:
Olive oil leads the pack, but whether margarine is better
than butter or not depends on the trans fats it contains.
2.
Calcium: CalcaZium is important for strong bones,
but so are a few other nutrients, including vitamin
C, vitamin D, potassium, and magnesium. Exercise is
also essential.
3.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates do not make you gain
weight; how many carbs you eat makes you gain weight.
It is recommended you reduce your intake of refined
carbohydrates such as white bread and sugary desserts,
and increase your whole grains with wheat breads and
bran cereals, for good health.
4.
Fats: It's not recommended you eat no fat;
it's now recommended you eat a better kind of fat, including
monounsaturated fats which are mainly found in oils
and nuts.
5.
Fiber: It may not help as many health issues as
we thought it would, but it still seems to help control
blood sugar level and weight. High fiber foods include
whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and popcorn.
6.
Fruits and vegetables: We've now discovered a whole
slew of stuff in fruits and vegetables that you can't
get from a vitamin pill. These include phytochemicals--natural
compounds in the flavor, color and texture of the foods.
It's now recommended you eat five to nine servings of
fruits and vegetables each day, mixing at least three
different colors.
7.
Herbal medicines: Some work, some don't. In high
doses they can be harmful or can interfere with the
absorption of prescription drugs. You should treat all
herbs like other medications; tell your doctor you are
taking them.
8.
Organic foods: There are more organic foods (those
grown without use of pesticides or chemicals) available
than ever. They may or may not be necessary for good
health. If you choose to go organic, be prepared to
pay more.
9.
Salt and your blood pressure: Salt won't give you
high blood pressure if you're not sodium sensitive,
but it's recommended you don't overdo it. Blood pressure
appears to be managed well with a combination of medication,
less salt, more fruits and vegetables, exercise, weight
loss, and calcium intake.
10.
Sugar and diabetes: Sugar won't give you diabetes
and can still be eaten in moderation, even if you have
diabetes. Sugar can contribute to weight gain simply
because it adds extra calories to your diet, and weight
gain can increase diabetes risk. To reduce sugar intake,
cut back on desserts, candy, processed foods and regular
soda pop.
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