New Study Reveals Healthy Living Benefits the Body on a Molecular Level
Sep 18, 2013
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle abroad undoubtedly has its benefits, but a recent study suggests that a few smart dietary changes could reverse the effects of aging and combat disease more effectively than we first thought. Without sounding too scientific, how we live affects the length of our body’s telomeres, which are the protective ends on a chromosome that work to reduce DNA fraying. Though telomeres are known to shorten with age, leaving the body vulnerable to many complications, new research reveals that we can lengthen these telomeres by tweaking our lifestyle.
In terms of “healthy living”, the specifics are unclear. One study, however, concludes that calorie restriction may be the answer. After monitoring mice on a low-calorie diet, researchers discovered a delayed erosion of telomeres. Unfortunately, a separate study from the journal Nature documents that reducing a monkey’s calorie-intake by 30% produced no such benefit. What the study did reveal, however, is that a balanced diet can provide as much of a life extension as calorie-restricted diets.
So, the question boils down to what is healthy living? On a molecular level, adopting a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and keeping peace-of-mind could be the hidden answer we seek. In respect to this, the following healthy eating tips are incredibly useful and should be read over carefully. It is important for seafarers to weight calories in accordance to their physical activity, meaning that active members on-board cargo ships, rigs, and offshore platforms must consume more food than the average person to stay healthy.
Global Catering professionals give extensive thought to the quality of each meal served, ensuring optimal nutritional content. The following guidelines are important to understand, even if all of your meals are already taken care of by the experts:
- Increase vegetable and fruit intake, especially leafy green, red, and orange vegetables
- Half of all consumed grains should be whole grains; replace refined grains as much as you can throughout the day
- Favour fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
- Be diverse with your proteins; choose from a variety of protein sources like seafood, lean meat and poultry, eggs, beans, peas, soy, and nuts
- In addition to the above, try and implement seafood several times throughout the week instead of red-meats
- Avoid protein sources with high solid-fat content; choose those that are a source of healthy oils instead
- Look for enriched foods with more potassium, fiber, calcium, and Vitamin D
Crew members aboard merchant vessels who are not routinely active should seek alternate forms of exercise throughout the week. Please feel free to browse our older articles as we mention many different work-out strategies to optimize your time and performance. Making a few minor life changes can have a major effect on your quality of life, so listen to the research and get on board with a revamped healthy living program today.