Nutrition: The Key to Make America Healthy Again

Make America Healthy AgainMake America Healthy Again – The United States is facing an unprecedented health crisis that threatens the well-being of millions of Americans. Over the past five decades, the nation has witnessed a dramatic rise in chronic diseases.

The Alarming Rise of Chronic Diseases

Since the 1970s, obesity rates have skyrocketed from approximately 13% to over 42% in 2020. Diabetes prevalence has increased by nearly 300%, with over 37 million Americans now living with the condition. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death, claiming nearly 700,000 lives annually, while chronic conditions now account for 90% of the nation’s $4.1 trillion annual healthcare expenditures.

Chronic diseases cost the US healthcare system over $3.7 trillion each year, with indirect costs from lost productivity pushing the total impact even higher. What was once considered a healthcare issue has become a national economic crisis, directly linked to nutritional habits and lifestyle choices.

The Food as Medicine Viewpoint

The idea of using nutrition as your medicine comes from Hippocrates.  Hippocrates said “Let food be your medicine, let medicine be your Food”

Nutrition is the most critical factor in addressing this mounting public health challenge.  The connection between diet and health has never been more apparent. Food as medicine offers a promising path to nationwide health transformation.

A promising emerging trend could fundamentally reshape Americans’ approach to health and nutrition. When one recognizes food not just as sustenance, but also as a powerful medical intervention.

Healthcare providers are increasingly prescribing specific dietary plans and using nutritional education and counseling into treatment protocols.

This approach goes beyond traditional dietary advice to viewing nutrition as a strategy for preventing, managing, and potentially reversing chronic conditions.

The Education Gap

One of the most significant challenges in addressing America’s health crisis is the widespread lack of nutritional education. Most medical schools and holistic programs provide minimal nutritional training, with the average physician, chiropractor, or holistic doctor receiving less than 25 hours of nutritional education during their entire training program. This knowledge gap extends to the general public, where nutritional literacy remains remarkably low.

Most Americans struggle to understand basic nutritional principles, misunderstand food labels, and lack the skills to make informed dietary choices. This educational deficit contributes directly to poor health outcomes, creating a cycle of chronic disease that perpetuates itself through generations.

A Path Forward

Transforming America’s health requires a multifaceted approach centered on nutrition, such as:

Comprehensive nutrition education in schools and medical training programs

Improved access to nutritious, affordable food

Healthcare policies that prioritize preventative nutritional interventions

Public health campaigns that educate people about nutrition and empowers individuals

The potential impact is profound. Studies suggest that up to 80 percent of chronic diseases could be prevented through improved nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and early intervention. By investing in nutritional education and promoting a food-as-medicine approach, the United States can dramatically reduce healthcare costs, improve quality of life, and create a healthier future for millions of Americans.

The end to America’s health crisis is not found in complex medical treatments, but in the simple, powerful choice of what we put on our plates every day.

Nutrition is not just fuel—it is medicine, prevention, and the key to reclaiming your health.

The Eat Well, Feel Great! Nutrition Program

The Eat Well, Feel Great! Nutrition Program will show you how easy it is to feed yourself and your family to create and maintain good health. The program separates fact from fiction and provides basic, true nutrition concepts so you can achieve the level of health you want. The information in this program is easy to understand, rooted in natural health care and based on the science of the body.

Click here for more information about the Eat Well, Feel Great! Nutrition Program

See MCVitamins – Educate Yourself and Take Control of Your Health

Using Vegetable Protein for Your Health

Vegetable Protein also called Plant-based proteins offer numerous benefits beyond mere macronutrientVegetable Protein (fat, carbs and protein) content. They provide phytonutrients, fiber, and antioxidants which contribute to overall health.

Evidence Based

Recent research continues to validate the efficacy of plant-based proteins in improving health outcomes. An analysis published in PubMed (2023) demonstrated that diets rich in vegetable proteins have a positive effect on athletes’ physical performance and recovery. This suggests potential applications in sports nutrition, rehabilitation, and senior care.

Furthermore, a longitudinal study (Journal of Nutrition, 2022) found that individuals with higher intakes of plant-based proteins had lower risks of all-cause mortality (the total number of deaths from any cause in a specific group of people over a specific period of time) and cardiovascular disease. This underscores the importance of incorporating these nutrient-dense foods into patient care plans for long-term health benefits.

By incorporating more protein-rich vegetables into your diet, you can address multiple health concerns simultaneously, including:

  • Inflammation reduction
  • Gut microbiome enhancement
  • Cardiovascular health improvement
  • Blood sugar regulation
  • Weight management.

Key Protein-Rich Vegetables and Their Therapeutic Properties

Lentils
Protein content: 9g per 1/2 cup (cooked)
Key nutrients: Iron (15% Daily Value (DV), Folate (37% DV), Fiber (8g)
Therapeutic applications: Blood sugar management, cardiovascular health

Green Peas
Protein content: 4g per 1/2 cup
Key nutrients: Vitamin C (22% DV), Vitamin K (24% DV), Manganese (22% DV)
Therapeutic applications: Antioxidant support, bone health

Kidney Beans 

Protein content: 8g per 1/2 cup (cooked)
Key nutrients: Iron (11% DV), Potassium (11% DV), Fiber (7g)
Therapeutic applications: Anemia prevention, blood pressure regulation

Edamame
Protein content: 8g per 1/2 cup (shelled)
Key nutrients: Vitamin K (41% DV), Folate (60% DV), Fiber (4g)
Therapeutic applications: Bone health, cognitive function support

Spinach

Protein content: 3g per 1/2 cup (cooked)
Key nutrients: Iron (20% DV), Calcium (12% DV), Vitamins A (105% DV) and C (30% DV)
Therapeutic applications: Antioxidant support, eye health

Broccoli  

Protein content: 2g per 1/2 cup (cooked)
Key nutrients: Vitamin C (84% DV), Vitamin K (77% DV), Folate (14% DV)
Therapeutic applications: Detoxification support, cancer prevention

Recommendation Examples

Cardiovascular Health Protocol: Recommends a daily serving of lentils or kidney beans to support heart health through their high fiber and potassium content.

Blood Sugar Health: Include a variety of legumes in meal plans to stabilize blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

Bone Health Optimization: Try regular consumption of edamame and broccoli for their high vitamin K content, crucial for calcium metabolism.

Detoxification Support: A suggestion is Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli to support liver function and natural detoxification processes.

Anemia Prevention: Combine iron-rich vegetables like spinach and lentils with vitamin C sources to enhance iron absorption.

Practical Implementation

Meal Planning: Work out meal plans that incorporate a variety of protein-rich vegetables throughout the day.

Gradual Introduction: To prevent digestive discomfort, start with one protein-rich vegetable each day and gradually increase it.

Seasonal Adaptations: Change your diet based on seasonal availability to ensure fresh, nutrient-dense options year-round.

Conclusion

The idea of using nutrition as your medicine comes from Hippocrates. “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”  By leveraging the power of protein-rich vegetables, you can address multiple health concerns.

Tailoring your nutrition to your individual needs is vital. By integrating this nutrition approach, you can take control of your health and achieve lasting wellness through the power of food as medicin