By Idamae Hanna, For The Guardian

During the past several years the relationship between food and disease has become clearer than ever as scientists have studied the impact of diet on the risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other life threatening diseases. Everywhere there are books, news documentation and new secrets to achieving optimum health. Many are confusing. Some are false and a lot seem to be selling some type of natural engineered capsule that is supposed to work wonders in preserving health.

The real truth has been around from the beginning of time. From the beginning God gave Adam and Eve the diet He knew would sustain optimal life and bring healing. It was He who said in Gen. 1:29, "Behold I have given you every herb-bearing seed, which is upon the face of the earth and every tree in which is the fruit of a tree-yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." This original diet plan included fruits, nuts, grains and vegetables.

Today the exciting scientific findings of the past two decades have caused the world to focus on the wisdom of our creator and the original diet He gave us. Studies have found that an increased intake of fruits and vegetables is protective against many types of diseases. Scientist have found that the protection is due to the hundreds of phytochemicals (plant chemicals) like beta carotene, lycopene, flavanoids, phenols and indols that are abundant in vegetables and fruits such as, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, onions, carrots and papaya, just to name a few. Some of these are powerful inhibitors of cancer and can actually stop cancer cells from growing, while others protect the arteries from the build-up of plaque, and yet others prevent bones from breaking down and weakening. It is important to note that phytochemicals occur only in plant foods — meat, fish, poultry, milk and eggs never contain them.

The discovery of phytochemicals have given rise to a whole stream of designer foods. Manufacturers have capitalized on this information and have come up with lots of engineered foods and pills fortified with phytochemicals isolated from whole plant foods. While some of these foods may provide some health benefits, they are usually over-processed, over-packaged, over-priced and contain only a fraction of the phytochemicals abundant in whole plant foods.

Scientists are aware that there are many more phytochemicals in each plant food that have not been discovered yet. Isolating any one phytochemical from a plant food may cause it not to be as affective in protecting the body against some diseases, since different types of these chemicals work together (synergistically) and not in isolation. The best way to get your phytochemicals is straight from the plant.

Fruits and vegetables are also high in vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are known as antioxidants. They block the oxidation process caused by carcinogens (cancer causing agents) and prevent oxidation damage to the cell. Another protective commodity that is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes (beans and peas) is fiber. Researchers have shown that dietary fiber increases the elimination of carcinogens from the body and decreases the incidence of colon cancer.

There is a growing amount of research that is showing the protective effect of a vegetarian diet. Vegetarians have much higher blood levels of natural killer cells to protect their bodies. It has been found that vegetarians have less of all types of cancers. This could be due to the fact that vegetarians consume a good amount of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Their fat intake is usually lower and they tend to maintain desirable body weight.

Scientists have seen greater health benefits from groups that increased their fruit and vegetables intake than in those who depended mainly on engineered or fortified foods or pills. God's way is still the best way. Fruits, nuts, grains, and vegetables, you may freely eat. If you need help with weight management or a lifestyle change, see your dietitian today.

Healthful tips for a healthier you from your dietitian.

* Idamae Hanna M.P.H.,R.D. can be reached at Better Living Health Center at telephone 323-5473.