WITH the growth in chronic diseases in South Africa life expectancy is plummeting. Research shows that chronic diseases from which South Africans suffer are diseases of lifestyle such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

According to Dr Mveleli Gqwede men are more heavily affected by these diseases because they are more prone to smoking, alcohol use, high salt intake and a lack of physical exercise.

But women are significantly more likely to develop hypertension, which then increases the risk of maternal death. He says nutrition is a major factor in the epidemic.

Christian Matuz, of iHealth Meals, agrees. He says correct nutrition is often the best medicine we can take to prevent disease or to control and effectively manage them.

"It might be a cliché, but an apple a day really does keep the doctor away," says Matuz, who has a degree in food manufacturingtechnology. He says it is true that we are what we eat.

"The food you eat does more than provide energy. It can also haves a dramatic effect on your body's ability to fight off illness," he says.

He adds that managing HIV-Aids and other incurable chronic diseases is directly linked tonutrition.

"Lemons, beetroot and olive oil are not magic elixirs as a former health minister would have us believe, but they and other plant-based foods play a significant role in keeping those with chronic diseases healthier for longer," Matuz says.

He says HIV-Aids patients in particular need to make a concerted effort to maintain healthy eating habits that take in immune-boosting vitamins A, C and E.

"Beta carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A, is better absorbed in foods than in tablets and the food they are found in are not excessively expensive. Beta carotene is found in spinach, carrots, butternut and sweet potato.

Beta carotene's power is in its ability to neutralise free radicals - molecules that attack cells - as well as increasing the number of disease-fighting cells. Vitamin C enhances the function of immune cells and is found in berries, citrus fruits, melons, peas and peppers. Vitamin E boosts immune activity and helps produce antibodies. It's found in seeds, nuts, broccoli and spinach, among other things," Gqwede says.

Good nutrition also helps the body tolerate medical treatments more easily and improves one's sense of well-being, which in turn strengthens the immune system.

Matuz says cancer is another disease that can in many cases be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices.

"Medical Research Council statistics show that up to 35% of all cancers can be prevented by eating well, maintaining a healthy weight and by being active. Fresh fruit and vegetables high in Vitamin A, C and E are great cancer-fighters.

"Diabetes is perhaps the poster child for healthy nutrition, in terms of chronic diseases. Not only can diabetes generally be avoided with a healthy diet, but it can most certainly be managed. Diabetics need to eat ample protein and vegetables, as well as whole unrefined grains. They need to adhere to moderate portions of nutritionally balanced foods and regular meal times," he says.

Matuz advises people to eat lots of vegetables, fruit and fish.

"This can increase longevity and boost energy levels. Natural foods are more likely to have medicinal benefits and provide the necessary building blocks for optimum body functions and growth, whereas processed foods do not provide what is needed for a healthy body and mind. It's therefore advisable to adhere to wholesome and natural foods.

"In a nutshell, a diet that is high in unrefined plant-based foods is the body's best weapon in warding off many diseases. If you eat healthier, you have a better chance of living longer irrespective of the disease, as long as you are active and let go of bad habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption," Matuz says.