A Healthy Diet Otto Warburg, a Nobel Scientist, who discovered that cancerous cells were 'anaerobic' was known as an eccentric in his day - because he insisted on eating only organic foods and staying away from processed foods. Today, such folks are considered wise and disciplined if anything. The importance of a healthy diet in combating all diseases, not just cancer, cannot be over emphasized. Though it may seem simple, it can be quite a challenge to eat healthy regularly. Here are some 'motivating' facts to help you in this quest. Fiber. Fiber is very important for healthy regularity. Soluble Fiber helps reduce one's cholestorol level. Here is a link for foods high in fiber and the different types of fiber (soluble or insolluble). Sources of Fiber Phytonutrients. Phytonutrients, are chemicals found in plants that protect the plant from disease, insects, heat, and external pollutants. They in-effect act as the plants immune system. They have found to be extremely useful in preventing disease within human beings. They are preventitive against cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and hypertensions. Phytonutrients neutralize the affects of free-radicals in your body, protecting your tissue and cells from the harmful effects of free-radicals. They improve eyesight and brain function. They also help detoxify the body. Phytonutrients are found in berries such as blueberries, raspberries etc., garlic, soybeans and whole grains. These wonder foods contain great levels of phytonutrients. Quantity Maintaining a food intake quantity that is sufficient for your body and not over indulgent is very important. Even eating healthy, good, organic food can bring a whole host of problems if you are eating more than is necessary over a prolonged period of time. I read an article in the New York Times about two study groups of Rhesus monkeys and how one group, over a 20 year period was given 30% less of a very healthy diet - both study groups had very healthy food. The study group that got 30% less had markedly less disease on multiple levels that suggested that eating less - even if the food was good and healthy improves one health significantly. Less of Something Good Can Be Better If you like running, hiking, skiing and other active sports, being overweight can have quite an impact on your joints and body. For runners and hikers, 1 lb of weight less will translate into 4 lbs of knee pressure less as you jog, not to mention other joints experiencing the same reduction. One Pound Weight Loss Equals 4 lbs Reduced Knee Pressure My encouragement is to watch the quantity of food you take in and to watch your weight. Maintain a healthy weight. If you struggle with the extra pounds join a program like Weight Watchers, which has an excellent program and proven strategy for weight loss over time. In 2 months with WW you can lose 10 lbs. Not massive losses, but these are sustainable losses which makes the difference in the long run. Rapid weight loss programs can cause other health risks and it's best to avoid them in my opinion.