Hippocrates once remarked, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. In today’s fast changing world, the lifestyles are purely modern as against the traditional mode of practices. Food has never been a choice but it remains a necessity for survival.
In the age of intense industrialization and globalization, the catchy phrase “Food as Poison” has become a disturbing yet accurate reflection of modern dietary requirements. The concept holds that all food is intensely toxic, but that many of foodstuffs people consume under the label of food have been heavily processed, chemically altered and contaminated that they harm the body and mind.
The younger generation desire to take food that is actually poisonous in many ways. All that they take is cooked and prepared by using recycled oil. This oil contains more fatty elements that cause obesity and other chronic ailments. The Liver in the human body is the first organ to be damaged because of poisonous foodstuff.
Further, people are attracted to artificial colors, flavors and preservatives which are used in the preparation of certain foodstuffs. A pickle contains a preservative which is basically made up of chemical element. Children who love to take Pizzas and Burgers are prone to be obese. This obesity becomes a chronic health problem like diabetes and high blood pressure levels.
The widespread use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture has led to more crop and vegetable yields that carry poison levels of costing a human life with Cancer. The more the pesticides, the more the mortality rate following the chronic disorders.
A survey shows that 90 out of 100 girls reported Thyroid complaint at a younger age. Foodstuffs that become carcinogenic are almost the fashion of the day. People though becoming increasingly aware of this alarming trends fall victims of their own lifestyles. A long-term consumption of pesticides affects hormonal imbalances, neurological problems, and an increased risk.
Instant foods like Maggi can cause Cancer. Even Sugar-free tablets which Diabetic people use contain sweeteners that harm the human body in the long run. A bad growth of Cholesterol develops in the body and attacks a man with multiple strokes.
Adulteration of cooking oils is yet another burning problem that confronts the society. There are several brands that claim to be refined oils. But people suffer in the long run. In the olden days, people used coconut oil, sesame oil and sunflower oil. Those who used oils have maintained a good health. Cooking oil must be medically monitored. In the recent news reports, milk is mixed with detergents. Chilli powder is mixed with brick powder and artificial dyes. It is more of concerns than guaranteed food.
Food packaging, especially in plastic containers or sachets leads to pollution. Even plastic –made tea cups can cause Cancer. Research studies have shown that plastic particles are found in human blood, placenta and breast milk leading to endocrine disruption.
Food is meant to nourish, heal and sustain life. However, food can transform from a source of health into a carrier of harm – a silent poison.
This silent presence of harmful elements attacks the body and then the immunity system altogether. Food becomes a poison when it loses its natural balance. Contamination, pollution, poor hygiene and food borne pathogens become ready- made causes of food poisoning. It becomes a harsh reality in the end when people are hospitalized.
Food safety regulations and food safety testing are nominally done in the hotels and restaurants. Only education and awareness bring about a change in the minds of people. Not all that is available is fit for consumption as food.
The best example is that every household maintains a medical kit consisting of medication. This speaks of alarming trends of public health as a whole. “Prevention is better than cure”. People must adopt strategies to overcome these temptations and maintain a healthy life free from chronic disorders.
The author is has 44 books to his credit in English Literature.
