There are tens of thousands of known phytonutrients (phyto = plant) in plant based foods and every single one packs inherent therapeutic value. Stop and think about this for a moment. It is mind bending.
Equally amazing, the human body can identify, decode, assimilate and process every one of these phytonutrients, along with all the other nutritional elements: macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, fatty acids and amino acids.
Given our growing understanding of the therapeutic value of whole foods, and the genius of the human body to utilize it – “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.” Hypocrites (450 – 380 BC)
Hmm, do we really have greater wisdom today, or just more information?
Homeostasis
Homeostasis – 1. the tendency toward… equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes.
Oxford Dictionary
Even under endless abuse, the human body can endure for years. Given even a modicum of exercise and nutritional support your body will provide years of basic health. If you actually take care of this organism it can provide a life time of trouble free vitality.
The inherent force of homeostasis is further incentive to understand our body as “a temple…” and treat it accordingly.
Nutrient Synergy
Further, the active agents in natural foods demonstrate brilliant cooperative interaction. It can be referred to as “nutrient synergy.”
Synergy – the interaction or cooperation of two or more… agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
Oxford Dictionary
The complexity of nutritional plant biochemistry and the summary of nutrient synergy is so far beyond human capacity to comprehend that it could never be synthesized. We must get our nutrition from eating whole foods; and eat them in their most vital form available.
Imagine, the human organism is continually analyzing thousands of bits of nutritional data, cataloging the information and delivering the results to every cell in the body.
By any definition it is a true wonder. It really is a miracle of nature that eloquently reveals the genius of God.
Whole Foods vs Supplements
A whole food multi-vitamin may be a little added insurance against nutrient deficiency but, given our rudimentary understanding of nutrient synergy, taking supplements in isolation is a little like using an abacus for math – it’s really elementary.
The British navy eradicated scurvy with just 2/3rds of an ounce of lemon juice – about 10 mg of vitamin C per sailor per day, yet it is common for North Americans to consume thousands of milligrams of supplementary Vitamin C in the attempt to impede a cold.
The scurvy cure demonstrates the powerful therapeutic value of whole food nutrient synergy. There are countless case studies that illustrate this fact.
James Lind: The man who helped to cure scurvy with lemons
https://www.google.ca/amp/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/37320399?client=safari
Eating “Real” Food Is Humanizing
Food preparation and shared meals are wonderfully humanizing and a defining mark of culture, with many social and psychological benefits. Ironically, eating quality food is a luxury that most can actually afford. It is much cheaper than processed and packaged products. Nature has provided a nearly inexhaustible abundance of food choices. Global cuisine has further provided so many creative ways of combining and flavouring foods that eating should be a real celebration.
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Resources:
Linus Pauling Institute
Micronutrient Information Center
University of Oregon
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/lignans
Nutrient Synergy: Why Whole Foods Beat Supplements
Food As Medicine – Dr Greger
http://nutritionfacts.org/video/food-as-medicine/
James Lind FRSE FRCPE (4 October 1716 – 13 July 1794) Scottish physician.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Lind