Ways to Stay Healthy

Unit03_Eat Right and Stay Fit                                                    p.65

People in every country have their own unique ways of eating to stay healthy. By looking at the eating habits of different countries, we can discover new foods and ways of eating. So let’s take “a trip around the world” and learn how people eat in other countries. Let’s go!

First stop, France

Our first stop will be France. French people are known for enjoying their family meals in a relaxed and unhurried way. On average, 92 percent of French families have dinner together, compared with only 22 percent of American families. According to Fred Pescatore, a medical doctor, “Eating dinner is the event of the day for the French.” French families often sit around the dinner table for more than an hour and talk about what has happened during the day, and everyone knows it’s not polite to talk with his or her mouth full. Lengthy meals actually encourage less eating. Dr. Pescatore says, “Conversation slows down the fork and gives you time to realize you’re full.”

Hop to Eastern Europe

Unit03_Eat Right and Stay Fit                                                    p.66

From Western Europe, we travel on to Eastern Europe. Most Hungarians like things pickled — not just cucumbers but also bell peppers, cabbage, and tomatoes. These sour treats can help keep you healthy because of the vinegar that pickles them. Growing evidence suggests that vinegar helps lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels, and prevent the formation of fat. What if you don’t like pickles? Then use oil and vinegar instead of a creamy salad dressing on your salad.

Jump down to South America

After visiting Eastern Europe, our next destination is South America. At Carnival time, Brazilians dance in the streets, which can be good exercise. They also stay healthy by enjoying their traditional meal of rice and beans. A study found that a diet of rice and beans is good for our health. Unlike a typical Western meal with fried potatoes or white bread, rice and beans are low in fat and high in fiber. A diet low in fat and high in fiber is thought to reduce blood sugar levels.

Let’s drop in Africa

Next we go to Nigeria. Most people in this country eat yams at meals. Yams are low in fat and sodium. They also contain vitamin B, vitamin C and fiber. They produce a good balance of potassium and sodium in the human body, so they protect against heart disease. Yams provide a more stable form of energy than sugar. They also give better protection against adult diseases.

Unit03_Eat Right and Stay Fit                                                    p.67

Last destination, Korea

At last we return home to Korea. Korean food is known to be spicy and delicious. But did you know that Korean dishes are also good for your health? The most common ingredients used in Korean food are vegetables, which are full of the nutrients essential in keeping good health. In Korean food, from the side dishes to the main dishes, vegetables like cabbage, beans and spinach are often used. Generous use of garlic, ginger and other beneficial spices makes Korean food even more healthy for your body.