Keep it Simple: The Power of Raw Fruits and VegetablesSouth Texas Academy for Medical Professions

Claudia Garza, RN BSN

TODAY’S PRESENTATION WILL COVER:• Chronic diseases that are typically seen in adults but are being

seen in adolescents and even children

• Why choosing nutrient dense foods can help us prevent certain illnesses

• The kinds of nutrients that can be found in raw fruits and vegetables and what those nutrients are capable of doing in our bodies

• How we can incorporate more fruits and vegetables into our daily diet

• Sources for raw fruits and vegetables in our community

• Where we can find reliable sources of dietary and nutritional information so that we can continue learning and incorporating our skills into our families daily diets

ILLNESSES: PAST AND PRESENTOur environment, society and culture can impact our health

1900 causes of deathNational Center for disease statistics

• 1. Influenza/ Pneumonia

• 2. Tuberculosis

• 3. Diarrhea/enteritis

• 4. Heart disease

• 5. Stroke

• 6. Kidney disease

• 7. Accidents

• 8. Cancer

• 9. Senility,

• 10. Diptheria

Issues impacting death rates• Poor Hygiene

• Lack of vaccines and antibiotics

• Minimal public knowledge on disease processes

• Mininmal laws governing the sale and production of food and medications

• Lack of public water filtration systems

ILLNESSES: PAST AND PRESENTOur environment, society and culture can impact our health

2011 Causes of deathNattional Vital Statistics Report 10/10/12

• 1. Heart disease

• 2. Cancer

• 3. Chronic lower resp. diseases

• 4. Cerebrovascular disease

• 5. Accidents

• 6. Alzheimer’s

• 7. Diabetes

• 8. Influenza / Pneumonia

• 9. Nephritis

• 10. Intentional Self Harm

Issues impacting death rates• Marketing of food

• Processed /Convenience food

• Decreased physical activity

• Chemicals / Preservatives in our environment

• Busy lives work, school, community

ILLNESSES AFFECTING US AND OUR CHILDREN• Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and

cancer are not only the leading causes of death in our nation but are now affecting our children in increasing numbers

• Although obesity is not a disease, it has become one of the biggest risk indicators for many chronic illnesses

• http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/obesitycost/epidemic.php

• We are also seeing a rise in Gastrointestinal issues, allergies and sensitivities to food, mental/emotional disorders, autoimmune diseases

"Those who think they have no time for healthy eating will sooner or later have to find time for illness." - modified from : Edward Stanley (1826-1893) from The Conduct of Life

SO WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT IT?

WE CHANGE OUR BEHAVIOR

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We start choosing foods for their nutrients

Raw Fruits and Veggies

Nutrients

Phytochemicals

Biophotons

Water

Enzymes

Fiber

ENZYMES

• Enzymes make sure that the chemical reactions that are need to take place in our bodies are occurring.

• They also serve as inspectors of quality control when it comes to our DNA replication

• They assist in the digestive process by aiding in breaking our food down to chemicals that can be used by our bodies

• Enzymes do not tolerate heat above 104 degree F. That is why it is important to get as much raw fruits and veggies as possible

What are NutrientsChemical elements that are essential for a living organism to maintain wellness

NUTRIENTS• Macronutrients – large chemical compounds

protients

fats

carbohydrates

Micronutrients – are smaller chemical elements that our body needs in small amounts

vitamins

minerals

and any other dietary chemical essential to normal growth, development and function

PHYTOCHEMICALS• Chemicals that plants have such as hormones that

are used to protect the plant, give the plant color, and smell but are also beneficial to us.

Other common name(s): antioxidants, flavonoids, flavones, isoflavones, catechins, anthocyanidins, isothiocyanates, carotenoids, allyl sulfides, polyphenols

American Cancer Society

http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/phytochemicals

BIOPHOTONS

Very low level lights that cells from living organisms emit

FIBER• Part of a plant that we can’t really digest

WATER• Essential

How can we incorporate more fruit and vegetables into our daily diet?• Stop buying for convenience and plan ahead

• Pack easy fruit and veggie snacks such as apples, carrots, celery sticks

• Try to fill half or more of your plate with veggies and fruits

• Freeze fruits so that they can be cool treats

• Puree veggies to make salsas and dips

• Use large leafy veggies as wraps instead of breads or tortillas

• Prepare bags of salad so that you don’t have to prepare everyday

Sources for raw fruits and vegetables in our community

• Farmers’ Markets

• Flea Markets

• Grocery Stores

• Nurseries

Where can we get more information?• Our school library

• Public library

• Online websites like Medline Plus

• Texas A&M agricultural extension office

• Harvard school of public health website

• Hospital community outreach courses

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food –Hippocrates