When Deborah Kesten called her book The Healing Secrets of Food, she was not referring to nutrient content or nutraceuticals. Rather, she was referring to food’s ability to nourish the spirit. Ms Kesten says, “The food-as-medicine approach is unique to America. Most cultures throughout the world do not relate to food as a “product” to be analyzed each time it’s eaten. Rather, they enjoy food as the social, ceremonial, sensual delight it is.” Although The Healing Secrets of Food includes basic nutritional guidelines, its strength lies in Deborah Kesten’s explanation of”integrative nutrition”–the social, spiritual, and energetic components of food and eating.
Socializing, connecting and uniting with others, as we eat is the first health secret. Ms. Kesten relates an experiment conducted by Dr. R.M. Nerem at the University of Texas in which rabbits were fed artery-clogging rabbit food. Rabbits that received cuddling and interaction from their caretaker at mealtime had 60% less plaque. Social interaction, rather than the consumption of wine, may be the primary explanation for the “French paradox.” The incidence of heart attack is very low in France even though the French diet is high in saturated fats and aerobic exercise is uncommon. Researchers point out that the French take long, leisurely meals and share the meals with friends and extended family. Extended family meals tend to be the exception rather than the rule in the US. Take-out and microwave food is the norm, and eating is often seen as a necessity to dispose of as quickly as possible. Ms. Kesten offers several suggestions for bringing social connections back into one’s life, such as arranging potluck get-togethers or simply turning the TV off during mealtime. For those who usually eat alone, Ms. Kesten suggests feeding a pet before sitting down to one’s own meal or setting the table for two and placing a photo of a loved one nearby to foster feelings of connection and love.
Socializing, connecting and uniting with others, as we eat is the first health secret. Ms. Kesten relates an experiment conducted by Dr. R.M. Nerem at the University of Texas in which rabbits were fed artery-clogging rabbit food. Rabbits that received cuddling and interaction from their caretaker at mealtime had 60% less plaque. Social interaction, rather than the consumption of wine, may be the primary explanation for the “French paradox.” The incidence of heart attack is very low in France even though the French diet is high in saturated fats and aerobic exercise is uncommon. Researchers point out that the French take long, leisurely meals and share the meals with friends and extended family. Extended family meals tend to be the exception rather than the rule in the US. Take-out and microwave food is the norm, and eating is often seen as a necessity to dispose of as quickly as possible. Ms. Kesten offers several suggestions for bringing social connections back into one’s life, such as arranging potluck get-togethers or simply turning the TV off during mealtime. For those who usually eat alone, Ms. Kesten suggests feeding a pet before sitting down to one’s own meal or setting the table for two and placing a photo of a loved one nearby to foster feelings of connection and love.
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