Civilization, increased industrialization and artificial, altered environment have caused a dangerous increase in various diseases, which are called civilization diseases. These are: dental diseases, chronic stomach and intestinal diseases, heart and coronary diseases, rheumatic diseases, some nervous disorders, and cancer.
The basic causes of civilization diseases are to be found in our antibiological way of living, such as:
Changes in environment: air and water pollution, etc.
Changes in nutrition: health-destroying toxic food additives, foods grown in depleted soils and devitalized by processing, wrong selection of diet, overeating, etc.
Disturbances of life rhythm: lack of exercise, haste and hurry, insufficient rest and recreation, excessive use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, etc.
Civilization diseases can be cured or prevented, and a long life in good health can be accomplished, by the following remedial measures:
Improved nutrition from natural unadulterated foods, free from toxic additives and rich in vital substances (enzymes, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, proteins, etc.).
Intensified battle against the continuous pollution of water, air, soil, and food, which causes the accumulation of toxic substances in our bodies, and ultimately disease.
Improved safety and hygenic conditions at work.
Sufficient recreation and rest.
Points 2, 3, and 4 are self-explanatory. In regard to point No. 1, improved nutrition, the Society gives the following advice:
The basis of a diet which assures healthy and well-balanced nutrition should be:
Milk and milk products: cheese, curds (cottage cheese), soured milk, yogurt, kefir and butter (moderately). Milk and milk products should not be pasteurized.
Vegetables, fruits, and potatoes. Fruits and vegetables preferably should be consumed raw; potatoes peeled after cooking.
In addition, the following recommendations are given:
Meat, fish and eggs can supplement this basic diet, but a daily intake of these foods is not necessary.
Unrefined, cold-pressed vegetable oils, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, such as sunflower oil, linseed oil, soybean oil, should be included in the diet.
Honey should replace the use of white sugar and sweets.
The fact that about half of the world population lives on a vegetable diet proves the possibility of vegetarian nutrition.
In order to assure complete nutritional balance, a vegetarian diet should be supplemented with milk and milk products, nuts, soybeans, linseed, sunflower seeds, edible yeast, fruit juices, etc.
Older persons should increase intake of honey and vitamins; avoid overeating, especially of animal fats; and restrict salt intake.
All foods should be as natural as possible, without chemical additives.
So, here you have, from the highest possible authoritative source on nutrition, a macrobiotic diet which will assure you optimal health and prolong your life.
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