Priorities in modern society

A century ago, not many people were overweight, nor obese. The word 'Heart Disease' and 'Cancer' were almost unheard of in the 19th century. Heart Disease and Diabetes were rare medical conditions. Today, people who are plump and paunchy outnumbered those who are thin and fit in selective countries such as Unites States. The incidence of diabetes and overweight have increased tremendously in my country(Malaysia) as well. What happened? How could such dramatic changes to overall health occur during this relative period in human history?

In this blog, I would be sharing some of the important details to my fellow readers, as well as the myths and facts about nutrition and health. Please bear in mind that this is not a replacement therapy for medical treatments in anyway as the information which I'm going to share is purely from my nutrition background and years of research/findings about health related clinical studies and science.

I've decided to share my knowledge about nutrition and health to whoever is reading this blog. Hopefully, I could contribute my part in this society to enable people to improve their overall health and be aware of what is REALLY happening, especially with loads of medical scams and 'secrets' of commercial foods being sold worldwide.   

As I was strolling along the supermarket alley trying to find the 'best' cheese available in the dairy corner, I overheard an Indian couple discussing on what to choose for the cooking oil sold in that supermarket. The overweight husband said "Buy the cheapest cooking oil". That is one very good example of real live scenario, where people choose between available source of foods, which proved to be the eating habits in modern societies. 

People can spend lots of money on buying new expensive phones, clothes, cosmetics, jewelry, cars, shoes, electronic gadgets, etc. But, how many people do actually set priority on their food? We, as human, have been 'disconnected' from nature, and we have lost touch with what have been created by mother nature (GOD) in this planet. People have been consuming mainly on simple carbs, processed foods, GMO products as well as chemicals, toxins and addictives found in most commercial food products sold in groceries outlets. People are consuming carbonated drinks and juices more then WATER. Eating outside in fast foods restaurants and hawkers stalls (in various Asian countries) will accelerate aging in the body, increases free radicals production and risks of degenerative diseases as well as many other nasty complications to health. 

How do people decide what food to buy? There are a few factors which enables most people to choose what to buy and eat. Below are some of the main factors which occur in modern society. 

1) Taste 

2) Convenience

3) Cheap

Those big food corporations knows EXACTLY what we all wants in food. Yes, TASTE! We all decide what food to eat based on primarily taste. I personally know tons of friends and colleagues will ONLY eat if the food taste good. Some people even say "We are all going to die, why bother?". It is not about being able to live only longer, but to be able to live a QUALITY life and die of old age, instead of being killed by a random chronic disease. Most people will only have 'wakeup call' in their life, when that individual is suffering from a major disease which is life threatening. 

In modern society, we all can have food to be sent to our doorstep by the click of a 'mouse'. We have automobiles to transport us to any location within the 'shopping radius' to purchase food. Hundreds and thousands years ago, human had to spent hours and days to hunt for food deep in jungle and desserts. During those times, human mainly consume food for the sake of survival. In modern society, we as human, consume food primarily based on 'mood and desire'. Rings a bell? 

Money. Yes. It is always a factor whenever someone decide what to buy in food. Most of us tend to buy processed foods which is cheaper then Organic food sold in health outlets. For instance, a large McDonalds meal typically cost about US$3 dollars, and approximately RM9-10 in Malaysia. How many people would splash out more money to buy olive oil(cold pressed), salmon fish, brown rice, organic vegetables and a banana for a more healthier meal? We could buy a RM2000 mobile phone or an LV handbag which cost a bomb, but not able to prioritize on real proper whole foods? What is happening people? What happen to priorities in life? The way of eating, and the type of food we eat and also physical lifestyle determine the quality of life and rate of longevity or mortality. Many of us said "Healthy food does not taste good". I totally disagree on that comment and there are many ways to prepare or cook a fairly tasty meal.

I will write a lot about carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, cholesterol, sugar, hormones, metabolism, major diseases, stress, exercises in my coming posts.