In reality, a food (or drink) contains between 500 and 1000 molecules, only some of which are nutrients. And they are the ones that play a role in the biochemistry of the cells that make up our body: for example, structural elements such as amino acids, which allow us to replenish our proteins, sources of energy such as fats or sugars. .. Conversely, many components of food are not nutrients: fibers (most of which are not absorbed by the body), hormones, pigments (carotenoids or flavonoids) … However, they interfere (or intervene in synergy) in the functioning of our body, and it is therefore important to know their effects and to take them into account. For example, phytoestrogens, these molecules derived from plants such as soybeans, have a similarity to the structure of estradiol, one of the major sex hormones.
What are the main foods that are beneficial for our health?
Nutrients in food have pharmacological effects. They can increase the effect of certain drugs (like grapefruit juice) or decrease it (like crucifers), ”explains Dr. Curtay in his book. This is why these foods are qualified as healers by nutritherapists. They may contain:
Immunostimulating active ingredients such as bifidus yogurts …
Pro-inflammatory active ingredients, such as omega 6 fatty acids, or anti-inflammatory, such as antioxidants, fatty acids Omega 3…
Aging retarders, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, carotenoids, selenium, catechins in green tea, hydroxytyrosol in olive oil …
Blood thinners, like in garlic
Migraine medications, such as caffeine.
Food supplements
If the food supplements are part of nutritherapy, it would be reductive to assert that it is medicine. Composed of vitamins and minerals, they can compensate for certain deficiencies, for example if the diet is not varied enough or in the event of pregnancy. Others, based on antioxidants, can be used to prevent aging or the risk of cardiovascular pathologies. It is up to the nutritional therapist to choose the right product, the one that best matches the patient’s eating habits, his state of health, his possible drug treatment …
