January 19, 2024, 4:53 PM Lalit Kapoor in FIVE PILLARS OF HEALTH: A Blueprint for Wellbeing, Health, India, Lifestyle, TOI

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The article discusses two myths related to health and diet. The first myth challenges the common advice to "eat everything in moderation," arguing that this approach may contribute to lifestyle diseases associated with aging. The author cites the Blue Zone Study, which identified communities with the longest-living individuals, emphasizing a simple lifestyle, absence of processed foods, and daily activities involving over 10,000 steps as key factors.

The second myth addresses the belief that different diseases require specific diet plans. The article argues that a Plant-Based Whole Food diet, rich in diverse foods from each food group, can provide the necessary nutrients for overall health. The author questions the practicality of prescribing different diets for multiple diseases and suggests that self-selection of food choices, as observed in animals and young children, can lead to a balanced and healthy diet.

The article also touches on the impact of social and psychological factors on dietary choices, highlighting the role of additives and designer foods in triggering rewarding responses. It emphasizes that a conscious approach to dietary decisions is crucial.

Additionally, the article briefly mentions recent research on the importance of when to eat (Circadian Rhythm) and when not to eat (fasting), along with the emerging field of Epigenetics, which explores the influence of microbes on nutrition and diseases. The author hints at the need to consider lifestyle choices beyond diet alone, such as intermittent fasting and the impact of eating late dinners on overall health. The article concludes with a promise to explore these lifestyle choices in more detail in future discussions.