Did you know that eating a healthy diet is the most important thing you can do - besides not smoking - to have the longest possible lifespan?

What is a healthy diet?

A healthy diet is based on the foods the medical research show confer longer lifespans, and less risk of chronic disease. The current state of medical literature indicates that 7 foods are essential to optimal health: fruits & vegetables; whole grains; beans; nuts & seeds; seafood rich in omega-3's; extra virgin olive oil; coffee & green tea. And five foods shorten lifespan and increase risk of chronic disease: processed foods, refined grains, sugar sweetened beverages, processed meat, and red meat.

A healthy diet is a diet that includes the foods you should eat, and avoids the foods you should not eat. And it's followed consistently, year in and year out.

Most Americans do not eat a healthy diet. Some Americans occasionally consume a healthy diet but it is inconsistent. Days, or weeks, months or years of unhealthy eating occur between the periods of healthy eating.

What is the consequence of eating an unhealthy diet? The standard American diet, and the diet of Western civilization more generally, is responsible - at least in part for everything from obesity, to high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke and diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.

Is there a way to eat a healthy diet consistently, in the modern food environment flooded with fast food and convenience options?

There most certainly is! in this course, Dr.Cohen, an NYUSchool of Medicine trained primary care doctor at a UCSF affiliated practice in San Francisco, shares with you effectiveand delicious strategies for limiting or eliminating refined grains from your diet.

The course begins with an introduction. Dr. Cohen explains how the switch from preparing our food, to relying on the marketplace to do it for us, is at the core of the problem with our diets. He describes the foods to eat, and the foods to limit. For each food, he'll share the most up to date evidence for the benefits and harms. You'll learn exactly how much of eat food to eat. And you'll see tips that have worked for thousands of his patients for adopting a healthier diet.

Whether you just want to promote your health, or you are looking to reverse high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, this diet is right for you.