Nutrition and Health—What's the Connection?
This lesson provides an overview of the role of food and health in human history. The various elements of nutrition and some of the most common types of diets are explored. What we eat profoundly affects our health and well-being: Obesity is at epidemic proportions in the United States.
Nutrition, Stress, and Immune Function
This lesson explores the relationship between food and emotions; to explain the stress response; to discuss the effects of stress on nutrition and health; to define mindful eating and methods of eating mindfully; and to examine elements of nutrition that support a healthy immune system. Most individuals enjoy sitting down and eating a delicious meal. Food provides an opportunity to socialize and, if the food is nutritious, it also supports a healthy body and mind.
Obesity in America— A Public Health Epidemic
This lesson examines the extent of obesity in the United States; explain the difference between being overweight and being obese; list the causes of overweight and obesity; examine the health and economic consequences of obesity; and discuss pharmaceutical and surgical options for obese individuals.
Current Issues in Nutrition
This lesson provides an overview of the types of toxins found in food and to examine the effects of irradiation, genetically altered foods, and food allergies on our health. Our diet has a profound impact on our health and well-being, yet many of us are not aware of where our food originated. We eat toxic, irradiated, or genetically altered foods, and we eat more than we need.
Spiritual Nutrition—The Global Consequences of Food Choices
Food is a dynamic force that interacts with our bodies on multiple levels: the physical level, the mental-emotional level, and the energetic or spiritual level. Conscious eating involves an awareness of the eating process from beginning to end, and it includes thinking about how dietary choices affect others. Any food choice that is truly good for an individual's physical health and well-being will also be good for his/her spiritual well-being.
Food Labels—Deciphering the Mysteries
An important element of health is the ability to understand what is in the food we eat. Knowing how to read and understand food labels can help individuals make healthier food choices. The goal of this lesson is to provide an overview of food labels, describe how to read a Nutrition Fact label, explain food claims in terms of nutritional value, define what organic means, examine the four organic principles, and identify various food labels in terms of their significance to food products.
Botanicals, Herbs, and Herbalism
While modern medicine has produced many scientific advances, one of the most important "advances" has been the recognition of the value of herbs and herbalism. After all, nature and plants have been an essential part of everyday life since the beginning of recorded history. The goal of this lesson is to provide an examination of the role of herbs and herbalists, herb processing, how herbalists are trained, and issues facing the use of herbs.
Natural Sweeteners—Healthy Options for Your Sweet Tooth
Most Americans consume far more sugar than they require, and this contributes to obesity as well as many types of diseases. The role of sugar in the American diet is an important one, and understanding its effect on the body and its role in inflammation and disease can significantly impact one's health. Alternatives to refined sugar are numerous, but are they safe and effective?
Probiotics—Silent Partners in Health
Probiotics are live organisms believed to be healthy for the host organism. They are used globally to improve the health and well-being of animals and human beings. Sales of probiotic supplements have soared in recent years on the basis of intriguing research that demonstrates potential benefits for many chronic conditions, including cancer.