Charming Health: April 2017

THE NEWS:

1. A survey made by National Institute of Ageing (India) a few years ago revealed that fasting for two days every week increases Longevity. Therefore everyone who wants to live long should fast for one or two days every week. The survey was made amongst the people who were fasting without any training. Therefore if fasting is done properly, after learning the right mechanics, even better results can be expected.

2. To support the above statement a reference can be made to the surveys made during 2008 recession in USA and during the period of Rationing in post world war England. In both cases the population in general had much less to eat because either the people had no money to buy food (USA) or there was no food at all (UK). This resulted in reduction of flab from the bodies of the citizens of both the countries. It is now well established that flab reduction directly means improved health. Thus, whatever may be wrong with those times, they definitely resulted in improvement of health in USA and England.  

3. These studies also established that the people of developed countries were normally eating more than what was good for them. These studies further established that eating more does not mean improved health. On the contrary over eating is proved to be detrimental to health.

4. The times of scarcity and recession are now over and these same people must have gone back to their old life style accumulating flab on their bodies.

5. In India also the urban effluent population is growing flabby due to over eating, wrong eating and lack of exercise. Therefore obesity is spreading like an epidemic in all cities of India irrespective of their size and location. This is already causing damage to citizens’ well being and overloading scarce health services. The future looks   gloomy because obesity among the children is all the more prevalent now. Surprisingly, although obese but these people are still suffering malnutrition.

6. The specter of Diabetes and Heart diseases at younger age is looming large. Similarly Knee joint pain which used to be a disease of old age is now starting in 30s and 40s.

7. Therefore the readers are advised to eat right type and right quantity of food. Lord Krishna in Geeta has advised “Yuktahar”. The very word Yuktahar denotes both, right quality and right quantity.

8. The question thus naturally arises is what is right quality and how to determine the right quantity.

9. To answer these questions a very large number of theories have been advanced. The general public is totally confused. They do not know what to believe and what to ignore. Therefore after running from pillar to post, people just quit thinking about it.  The health tips in this news letter will attempt to answer, these very questions in a simple logical manner, in just a few, easy to understand sentences. That will help the people at large to understand and follow.

HEALTH TIPS:

1. The God given food for humans is Fruits, Vegetables and Dry fruits. Various grains are added to them later. It is therefore better to use them in lesser quantities. The God has also given water and milk to quench thirst and build bodies. Thus these are the foods humans are allowed to eat.

2. The foods in their natural forms are the best. However, in modern times it is not always possible to use all foods in their natural form. Hence cooking has become essential. In the circumstances cooking of the food should be reduced to minimum. Over cooking, frying and cooking at high temperatures destroy the natural values of the food. Make minimum use of these processes in the kitchen.

3. The meals must contain a large part of vegetables and fruits. A good part must be in raw form. 

4. Various spices like chilies, garam msalas etc are anti health. Better avoid them.

5. Intoxicating materials like Tea, Coffee, Tobacco, Coco, Opium products and many other chemical products must be avoided. Similarly preservatives, colors, flavors etc., added to the market foods are good for manufacturers and traders only. These things do not add any value to food.

6. The human body is not designed for Non Vegetarian foods. Their nails, teeth, digestive system, and very instinct are not made suitable for such foods.  It is best to avoid them.

7. The total quantity of food should be such that the body shape remains in proportion. That means:

   1. The waist should be not more than 90% of chest. The ideal is 75% or less.

   2. The thighs should be 66% of the waist.

   3. The measurements of neck, upper arm and calf should be nearly equal.

   4. The circumferences of Chest and Hips should be almost equal.

1. The modern scientists recommend the use of  BMI (Body Mass Index). To calculate it, find the weight in Kilograms and height in Meters. Now divide the weight by square of the height. The answer is the BMI. Ideally BMI should be around 25 for adult males and 21 for adult females. As the age advances beyond 50 it should be still lower. Regulate the quantity of food in such a way that the BMI is maintained.

2. There is an easier way also. Ensure that the circumference of the waist remains less than half of the height of the body.