“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”
This quote is attributed to Hippocrates, ancient Greek physician widely regarded as the first physician. In ancient Greece, people were already aware of the impact of diet on physical health and used the virtues of certain foods against illnesses and afflictions.
Nowadays, modern science allows us to concretely explore the effects of food on our body’s different structures. Many studies carried out all over the world show that nutrition ensures our body’s proper functioning and allows us to preserve adequate physical capacity, which is particularly relevant as we age. In addition, our diet has a direct effect on the prevention or, inversely, the development of certain serious illnesses.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada states on its website that “up to 80% of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented through your life habits, such as eating a healthy diet.” Also, the Canadian Cancer Society published a 2019 report revealing that 12,500 of new cancer cases diagnosed each year in Canada are due to an unhealthy diet.
Even in the 5th century BC, Hippocrates understood that to stay healthy, we must keep an eye on our diet!