Various Approaches to Diet: Review

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Table of Contents

Introduction
The macrobiotic diet
The theory of Ayurveda
The Okinawan eating practice
The caveman diet
Conclusion
Works Cited:

Introduction

While discussing various approaches to diet, some fundamentals on healthy food must be considered. First of all, it is necessary to point out that healthy food improves the quality of people’s life. Thus, low-income communities tend to consume fatty and sugary foods, which cause the severe health problems. For instance, it should be noted that those who suffer from obesity, diabetes and a wide range of heart diseases consume foods of poor quality. On the other hand, those individuals, who are deeply concerned about their health, try to avoid visiting fast food and convenience stores. Of course, the dominant factor, which affects people’s health, is considered to be a community environment. Healthy foods and a number of dietary habits impact on a person’s mode of life. One is to keep in mind that there are several diet theories, which determine healthy eating strategies people tend to rely on. The theories, which seem to be of particular concern, include the macrobiotic diet, the theory of Ayurveda, the Okinawan eating practice and the caveman diet.

The macrobiotic diet

The macrobiotic diet means eating organic, natural, and vegetable foods. One of the key principles the macrobiotic diet is based on is to provide people with an opportunity to eat healthy foods, in order to extend the duration of life. People who are on the macrobiotic diet are mostly interested in grains and vegetables, rather than in high-fat products. While being on the macrobiotic diet, it is necessary to remember that proportions of food are extremely important to feel how the diet works. Anna Kane states that “The standard macrobiotic diet recommends that 50-60% of calories come from whole grains, 25-30% from land vegetables, 5-10% from sea vegetables and 5% from soups. Only 6% of calories should come from protein” (par. 2). However, some critical approaches are also to be taken into consideration. Thus, the benefits the kind of the diet brings about people’s health are not scientifically proven. It is necessary to point out that the diet was not developed by scientists, but philosophers who believed that the key to healthy life was found. One more interesting point is that the macrobiotic theory emphasizes chewing all food a considerable period of time. The kind of the diet is considered to be more appropriate for people with holistic approaches; although it was not proven that a person’s physical, psychological and mental well-being is encouraged by the macrobiotic diet.

The evolution of the macrobiotic theory cannot be neglected, as due to the westernization processes the macrobiotic diet was transformed into a diet emphasizing a vegetarian approach to eating. According to some assumptions, the macrobiotic diet prevents not only chronic diseases development, but also the development of cancerous tumours.

The theory of Ayurveda

While describing some basic points on the theory of Ayurveda, it should be stated that one of the key goals an Ayurveda diet is developed for is to reduce stress. On the other hand, the kind of the diet is mostly associated with weight loss.

Generally, it is necessary to clarify that Ayurveda is recognized to be a well-known healing practice, which major components involve diet, sleep and exercise. One of the most important points, which should be highlighted, is that an Ayurveda diet is closely related to the so-called preventative medicine. In other words, a person is to eat healthy foods, in order to avoid various diseases development. According to a well-known healing practice, a proper diet plan is to be based not only on a person’s food preferences, but also on his or her psychological peculiarities. One is to keep in mind that originally an Ayurveda diet was created for people with a strong mind. As far as a strong mind seems to promote intelligible thinking, one can conclude that “good eating habits can promote the greatest happiness and satisfaction in life, and that is why adults often have to start all over (de-learn) and relearn how to eat right” (“An Ayurveda Diet for Stress Relief & Weight Loss” par. 2). An Ayurveda diet is considered to be more appropriate for people who want to reevaluate their mode of life.

The special investigations showed that various Ayurvedic herbal supplements can help people who suffer from obesity. Ashwagandha or an adaptogen is one of the most effective Ayurvedic herbal additives people use to take off. Finally, it should be noted that an Ayurveda diet emphasizes eating natural foods along with taking vitamins.

The Okinawan eating practice

While speaking about the peculiarities of one of the most effective Japanese diets, it should be noted that the Japanese have the longest life-span all over the world. The Japanese diet is recognized to be a much healthier as compared with a wide range of diets the Americans use. The Okinawan eating practice emphasizes lower sodium intake as well as a minimal consumption of meats. It is also necessary to clarify that the Japanese limit consumption of fishes. The major components the Okinawan diet is based on involve rice, whole grains, and other products of phytogenous origin. The kind of the diet emphasizes lower caloric consumption. It must be stated that “The low caloric consumption of Okinawans have been linked to a decrease in somatic production of free radicals and a decrease in the glycemic index. Reduction of these factors, in turn, are believed to reduce the likelihood of cancer” (“Results” par. 17). Furthermore, the Okinawan eating practice seems to reduce cancer risk. It was also proven that a minimal consumption of fat helps protect vascular system from a variety of diseases.

The caveman diet

The caveman diet cannot be ignored, as it is recognized to be one of the most popular practices people rely on to lead a healthy lifestyle. The kind of the diet is considered to be scientifically grounded; although it is not more natural in comparison with the listed eating practices. The diet emphasizes eating various fruits and vegetables as well as low-fat products. While being on the caveman diet, a person is to avoid processed foods. Kelly Daugherty affirms that “This diet is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and excludes dairy and added salt” (1).

Keeping in mind a historical background, one can probably notice that the paleolithic or the caveman practice appeared long before the development of agriculture. As far as culture can be regarded as an integral part of people’s food preferences, it becomes obvious that culture also impacts on people’s dietary habits. The caveman eating practice is considered to be more appropriate for those who prefer uncooked, unprocessed foods.

Conclusion

Finally, it must be noted that diet is one of the most important factors a person’s health depends upon. A person is allowed to choose any eating practice, in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or to regain his or her health; although it is necessary to remember that it is the combination of various healthy techniques, which determines a person’s physical and mental well-being.

Works Cited:

“An Ayurveda Diet for Stress Relief & Weight Loss.” Pacificcollege.edu. 2012. Web.

Daugherty, Kelly. “The Paleolithic Diet Reduces Western-Civilization Chronic Disease Symptoms.” Stkate.edu. n.d. Web.

Kane, Anna. “Introduction to Macrobiotics.” Vanderbilt.edu. n.d. Web.

“Results.” Cornell.edu. 2005. Web.

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