Phytonutrients or Empty Calories?

12/27/21

Within the last decade the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that chronic diseases were responsible for 5 of the 6 leading causes of death in the United States in 2006. Of the leading causes of death in the United States, 57% percent were caused by cardiovascular disease and cancer, and nearly 80% of these deaths could have been prevented if a healthy lifestyle was followed.

The estimated direct and indirect costs for cardiovascular disease for 2010 alone were estimated at $503.2 billion.” The term noncommunicable disease (NCD) is more commonly referred to as chronic disease. The main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases, asthma, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease are widespread and rising dramatically in the United States.

Not surprisingly, chronic diseases have become the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, accounting for 70% of deaths in the United States. NCDs, are by far the leading cause of death in the world, representing 71% of all annual deaths. NCDs kill more than 41 million people each year. Some 85% of all NCD deaths occur in low-and middle-income countries. 

-The Effects Of Empty Calories On The Body-

Empty Calories are energy from foods and drinks that contain no significant nutrients but are high in calories. These are mainly foods and drinks that have a high sugar, fat, or alcohol content, but little or no other nutritional value. 

Consuming empty calories undermines the health benefits of consuming other foods and drinks that do have nutritional value. It can also cause imbalances, where nutrient deficiencies can lead to further health complications. In 2012, the United States Department of Agriculture reported that snacks provide almost 1/3 of a person’s daily empty calorie intake (32% for women and 31% for men).

Male adults ate an average of 923 empty calories per day. For females, the average intake of empty calories was 624 calories per day. An older study, from 2010, found that around 40% of the total calories that children aged 2–18 in the United States consume are empty calories.

-What are Phytonutrients?-

The word Phytonutrients literally means plant nutrient. They are natural compounds found in plant foods such as vegetables, fruit, whole grain products and legumes. These plant compounds have beneficial effects that work alongside other essential nutrients to promote good health.

There are hundreds of phytonutrients that are often referred to as phytochemicals also. Phytonutrients are responsible for the vibrant colors found in vegetables and fruit. Phytonutrients can be divided into 2 categories: macronutrients, and micronutrients. Macronutrients are those nutrients that the body needs in large amounts. These provide the body with energy in the form of Calories.

Micronutrients are those nutrients that the body needs in smaller amounts.

-Macronutrients: Carbohydrates. Fats. Proteins.

-Micronutrients: Minerals. Vitamins.

Experts believe that eating plenty of phytonutrient-rich foods promotes healthy aging. Many phytonutrients have antioxidant properties that help prevent damage to cells throughout the body.

Several phytonutrients have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Some may have positive effects on the immune system and hormones while others may also act as antibacterial or antiviral agents.

-The Sacred Diet: Truth-Centered Immunity-

This is a quote from Ben Ammi’s Book ‘The Resurrection: From Judgement to Post Judgement’ “Every word you speak and hear participates in the strengthening or weakening of the immune system. The immune system is a network which resonates with the vibrations that surround it.

It is as surely affected by emotions and lies as by bacteria, as deeply impacted by thoughts as by drugs. If the immune system is starved of Truth it will falter, leaving you more susceptible to infection and life-threatening ailments. The initial, apparent effects of your ingestion of Truth and the holistic High, Holy and Sacred Diet (consumption of fresh, live foods – organic fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, nuts and legumes) will make you less subject to disease.”

Resources:

· NASM ESSENTIALS of PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINING Pg. 4

· UnlockFood.ca Article – Phytonutrients: Nature’s Natural Defense

· The Resurrection: From Judgement to Post Judgement Pg. 113