Cebu City – The World Health Organization (WHO) once mentioned in one of their Technical Report Series that diet and nutrition are important factors that are considered in the maintenance of good health throughout the entire course of life and the role of diet and nutrition as determinants of chronic NCDs is well-established. Hence, diet and nutrition play a major role in our overall health.

The good news is that we all have the power in preventing chronic diseases, by simply following a positive diet and by making lifestyle changes. The simplicity of choosing healthy and colorful whole foods, getting enough exercise for heart health, and refraining from smoking and excessive alcohol are the key variables that will contribute to determining your overall health.

But how and what exactly are these food items to take baby steps to get going. Here are great food choices to begin with and the best time to start it is now.

• Think red. Choosing vegetables or fruits with the red pigment is a food choice to help reduce inflammation, and that is because it contains a flavonoid called quercetin.
• Make use of herbs & spices. Considered flavor-enhancers these will help you cut out or reduce sweet, salty, and even unnecessary flavoring from fat.
• Avoid hydrogenated fat. Extra virgin olive oil doesn’t have to be the choice, but all oils are healthy as long it’s not hydrogenated or overused fat.
• Eat fish. Fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help combat inflammation.

One thing to always remember that a colorful diet of colorful food is a key variable in our pathway to maintaining a healthy life. // DMO II Gab Flores, RND