Contributed by: Laurel Dierking

The human body is made up of over 25 trillion cells. Each cell has a specific duty and lifespan; they are created, designed to accomplish a particular purpose in the body, and once their mission is complete, the cell dies. Every day the body is at work to remove old, damaged, or worn out cells with new, energetic healthy cells. This is a natural process that takes place in order to sustain our overall health. Without the life and death cycles of weak or toxic cells, our body would not be able to thrive, protect, and function optimally. This life cycle is highly influenced by your diet.

Our cells are developed with the nutritional support of whole grains, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, fats, and proteins. These essential nutrients are what build the cell membrane, nucleus, and the mitochondria to make up one single cell. A diet lacking in fiber, protein, and healthy fats can contribute to the production of brittle, leaky, tired cells that ultimately ‘slack off’ on their intended innate functions to keep your body healthy and lively. The constant production of malfunctioning cells can lead to numerous complications in the body; such as inflammation that can ultimately increase your risk of diseases, including cancer.

Foods that support the healthy development of cells include those rich in:

Unsaturated fats
*Fish
*Nuts
*Avocados
*Olive Oil/Canola Oil/Sunflower Oil
*Flaxseed

Protein
*Chicken
*Lean Beef
*Yogurt
*Seeds
*Beans
*Turkey
*Eggs

Antioxidants
*Grapes
*Blueberries
*Dark Chocolate
*Dark Green Veggies
*Sweet Potatoes
*Green Tea

So the next time you think about what your meal or snack will be, take a moment to consider how what you’re about to eat will impact the next generation of the very cells that make up your body. The cells which are built to keep you healthy and ward off disease. Will what you eat help or hinder the vital role of your cells? If we can all become more mindful and take individual responsibility for the health of our bodies and ultimately be cognizant of preventing disease, we’ll have better control over our health, weight management and simply how we feel each and every day!