Livin' La Vida Siempre

One of the things I value most highly is life (which is, incidentally, why I want to be a doctor). A simple model of life treats it as having two parameters - quality, which may be positive or negative, and duration. This model suggests that what we should aim for is to maximise the value of the integral, i.e. the area under the curve. (Other suggestions may be drawn, such as the value of euthanasia and suicide, but I shall not deal with these, at least not until I decide to post a suicide note here.)

How can we maximise this integral then? One idea, proposed by Arakawa + Gins, is via architecture. Based on an ethics which deems mortality as unethical, and a belief that our surroundings affect our lives, the two have gone about designing buildings which aim to prolong life and eventually reverse human destiny by facilitating immortality. Just as the architecture of the plane helped achieve the dream of flight, so may architecture one day achieve the dream of immortality, they claim. Definitely one of the craziest ideas I've come across, especially considering the English it is expressed in, but it has resulted in some pretty interesting houses, so do check it out here.

Do we actually want to live forever? What price are we willing to pay for it? I have frequently heard the questions, eat/live so healthy for what? You want to live so long for what? Well, good health increases not just duration of life but also quality, especially at old age. Even if you might not think of it now, what about the value of spending more years with loved ones? Of course, most people do value their health, but are doing it wrongly. As diet is probably the main factor contributing to health, here are some of the most common dietary myths: 

1 Fat is bad.

Not all fat is bad. We all know unsaturated fats are supposed to be healthy. However, most saturated fats are actually not unhealthy, with no statistical correlation to heart disease despite what you have been told. Trans fats on the other hand have no known nutritional benefits and are highly linked to many diseases. Avoid them at all costs. 

2 Unsaturated fats are good.

Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, are good. However, excessive levels of omega-6 fatty acids relative to omega-3 in the diet leads to heart disease, inflammation and cancer. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in high amounts in wheat, grains and grain-fed meats, so reduce consumption of these. 

3 Eating fat makes you fat.

A low fat diet makes the body more reluctant to burn whatever fat it is holding onto. Dietary fat intake also stimulates the release of hormones which encourage the body to burn fat and build muscle. To lose fat, eat less calories and exercise more. 

4 Frying in olive/vegetable oil is healthier.

I laugh when I see food being marketed as healthier because it is fried in healthy oils, such as a chain selling chicken deep fried in olive oil. We all know reactions occur more frequently under high heat. This is true for the cis-trans isomerism of fatty acids as well. That means frying with unsaturated fats will tend to convert them to trans fats. Instead, use coconut oil or grass-fed butter. 

5 Cholesterol is bad.

High levels of bad cholesterol and low levels of good cholesterol in the blood lead to heart disease. However, intake of fat is more significant than cholesterol intake in determining blood cholesterol level. Yes, that means you can eat more eggs (as long as they are free-range). Remove trans fats from the diet and consume healthy fats for healthy blood cholesterol. 

6 "Sugar free" drinks are better than sugary drinks

Artificial sweeteners contain no calories, but trick the body into producing insulin and making you hungrier, so that you end up eating more calories later. These chemicals also have many nasty side effects. 

7 Soy products are healthy.
Many substances in soy are associated with detrimental effects on health, such as inhibiting growth, decreasing thyroid function, reducing mineral absorption, causing brain atrophy and encouraging tumour formation. Its positive effects on blood cholesterol are also poorly supported. However, genistein found in soy has antiangiogenic properties that may be useful for cancer control and treatment. Until more is known about the health effects, go easy on the soy.

Note: The dietary advice provided by 4-1-3-2 is not meant to replace the advice provided by your Doctor. The author shall not be held responsible for any improved health and increased life expectancy.