Food and Health

The difference between natural produce and processed food extends far beyond form and appearance. During processing, ingredients undergo a substantial change. Based on scientific research, we are now able to identify every single biochemical compound present in a given food (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, trace elements and so on), but are we sure that is all there is to it?

If that were the case, would these compounds alone be enough to fuel and sustain the human body?

One thing we should always bear in mind is that food is not the same as nourishment.

What is the difference between a grain of cereal and the flour that is made from it? From a nutritional viewpoint, there are no substantial differences other than the level of VITALITY they contain. Let’s consider the energetic potential of a seed that, once sowed, can release its energy to produce new life in the form of a sprout which then evolves into a plant. A handful of flour or a slice of bread could never do that. Besides, how would we feel if we were to eat exclusively canned food? It would only be a matter of weeks before we experienced a dramatic loss of energy, gradually paving the way to illness.

As a LIVING creature, the human being needs to gain sustenance from foods that are vital. When we taste a freshly harvested fruit, not only do we assimilate its nutrients, we also absorb its vitality. In this case, digestion breaks down nutrients into energy that is readily available for the body to exploit. We often concern ourselves with the number of calories contained in food, but we rarely reflect on how that food is going to affect our vital functions.

We frequently hear “We are what we eat”, but have we ever really stopped to think of the alchemic implications of this sentence? The food we so often swallow hastily and mindlessly becomes part of us, it turns into our body cells, blood and tissue. In other words, that food becomes us!

When it comes to a food’s vital energy and its impact on the human body, there are several variables at play, which can be summarised as follows:



Fertilisation method

Plants are living creatures too, and therefore need proper nourishment. Modern fertilisation processes and the use of UV lamps deplete natural produce of its vital energy.



Time of harvest

Prompt farm-to-table times are crucial to provide fresh, vital produce. After harvesting, fruit and vegetables gradually lose their vitality potential; seeds are the only exception as they maintain their energy for a long time.



Industrial food processing

The food industry’s processing methods deplete foods of their nutrients almost completely, acting as a major contributor in our loss of vitality.



Cooking method

Some cooking methods (including microwave cooking) destroy most of the nutrients contained in foods. More gentle methods such as slow and steam cooking help preserve the nutrients intact for a couple of days.



Preservation method

Some preservation methods like canning and freezing partly destroy the energy potential of food, whereas drying helps preserve it.

This is the reason why it is so important to eat lots of energy-rich foods, like fresh fruit and vegetables (possibly seasonal, from organic farming and short-distribution chains), sprouts, seeds, algae and minimally-processed foods. This type of diet boosts the immune system and improves physical performance and mental clarity as well as increasing one’s energy and well-being.

Here are my autumnal wishes for each and every one of us:

- May we cultivate a healthy sense of selfishness and make time and space for our well-being

- May we make new, better choices – starting with the right shops for our groceries.

- May we become aware of the role of nutrition as preventive medicine.

- May we become responsible and response-able for taking our health into our own hands.

- May we shape our daily life more consciously and in harmony with nature.



Written by MD Laura Santini, General practitioner