Editorial
Welcome to the 14th Issue of the HealthWise Bulletin,
Dear HealthWise Community,
Thank you for your continued engagement, insightful comments, and thought-provoking questions on our platforms.
Your curiosity and willingness to learn are what drive us to research deeper, share valuable insights, and provide meaningful responses to your health concerns.
We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we deeply appreciate the knowledge and experiences each of you brings to this community - both online and within our WhatsApp group.
Your contributions enrich our collective understanding and help us all make more informed health decisions.
For those eager to explore more, we have published a wealth of useful articles on our NourishandFlourish.Live website.
These resources are freely available, and for those who wish to dive deeper, we invite you to subscribe to our premium content.
By sharing this knowledge, we can empower even more people to take charge of their health.
I often say that ignorance of lifestyle diseases is more dangerous than the diseases themselves.
Today, I emphasize this once again - let’s commit to continuous learning and awareness. The knowledge you gain might one day save your life; a life of a loved one, or even someone in your community.
Let’s keep the conversation going, keep learning, and together, let’s fight health ignorance for a healthier future!
Warm regards,
Coach Susan
HealthWise Team
Health Tip: The Importance of Whole Foods over Manufactured Alternatives
In recent decades, dietary guidelines and consumer habits have leaned heavily toward manufactured foods, often based on the assumption that these alternatives are healthier or more convenient.
But an increasing body of research and historical evidence suggests that the way our ancestors ate—emphasizing whole, unprocessed foods—may be key to long-term health and the prevention of chronic illness.
The Misinformation around Fats and Oils
One of the most pervasive myths is that vegetable oils and margarine are healthier than animal fats like butter.
This idea has fueled the popularity of manufactured oils, yet it may be a driving force behind today’s chronic health issues.
Unlike the natural fats our ancestors consumed, industrial oils are highly processed, stripped of essential nutrients, and often contain additives.
When these altered oils enter our bodies, they can trigger inflammation, ultimately contributing to clogged arteries, cardiovascular disease, and other inflammatory conditions.
Why Natural Fats Matter
Historically, people consumed fats in their natural forms. Societies like the Maasai of East Africa have long included animal fats as dietary staples, with none of the chronic health crises we see today.
Animal products that come from naturally raised animals contain essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cell health, hormone regulation, and cognitive function.
However, there is a distinction between natural animal products and those derived from commercially raised livestock.
Animals raised in unnatural environments and fed modified diets may contain antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals.
These additives disrupt the gut microbiome and can lead to “leaky gut,” which allows toxins into the bloodstream, further escalating inflammation.
When possible, aim to source animal products from local farmers who practice traditional animal husbandry.
Rethinking Carbohydrates and Sugars
Carbohydrates have also been a contentious topic. While there’s no need to avoid them altogether, the key is to choose unprocessed, complex carbohydrates like root vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
Eating carbs as part of a balanced meal, rather than alone, slows their digestion, preventing rapid glucose spikes that strain the body.
High-starch staples, such as white rice, refined pasta, and bread, convert quickly to sugar and can feed “bad” gut bacteria.
When these foods are eaten in large quantities or frequently without fiber or protein, they can foster a sugar dependency, leading to cravings and unintentional overeating.
This imbalance can disrupt the gut microbiome, reducing the beneficial bacteria crucial for immune health, digestion, and even mental wellness.
Embracing Whole, Natural Foods
Focusing on whole foods—those that are as close to their natural state as possible—may be our best defense against chronic illness.
A diet rich in varied vegetables, quality proteins, and natural fats, along with moderate portions of unprocessed carbohydrates, helps foster a healthy gut microbiome and balanced blood sugar levels.
If you’re looking to enhance your health, start by replacing processed oils and fats with natural alternatives like extra virgin olive oil, cold-pressed coconut oil, or homemade butter and tallow from grass-fed animals.
Additionally, try to avoid store-bought condiments and salad dressings, which often contain artificial additives, opting instead for simple homemade dressings made from vinegar, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
The Path Forward: Honoring Tradition with Modern Insight
Returning to traditional eating habits—without the overly processed, artificial additions—may be essential to promoting better health.
Our ancestors' diets focused on balance, diversity, and natural food sources.
By adopting these principles, we can support a healthier, more resilient body, one that thrives on foods that nourish rather than harm.
In essence, the closer our foods remain to nature, the better our bodies are likely to function.
Take the time to evaluate your diet, prioritize whole foods, and see if your health and well-being improve as you reintroduce foods that humanity has thrived on for generations.
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