A healthful diet includes a variety of fruits and vegetables of many colors, whole grains and starches, good fats, and lean proteins. Eating healthfully also means avoiding foods with high amounts of added salt and sugar.
What are the benefits of eating healthy?
1. Weight Loss: Losing weight can help to reduce the risk of chronic conditions. If a person is overweight or obese, they have a higher risk of developing several conditions, including: heart disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, poor bone density, some cancers. Whole vegetables and fruits are lower in calories than most processed foods. A person looking to lose weight should reduce their calorie intake to no more than what they require each day. Determining an individual’s calorie requirements is easy using dietary guidelines published by the United States government. Maintaining a healthful diet free from processed foods can help a person to stay within their daily limit without having to count calories. Fiber is one element of a healthful diet that is particularly important for managing weight. Plant-based foods contain plenty of dietary fiber, which helps to regulate hunger by making people feel fuller for longer. In 2018, researchers found that a diet rich in fiber and lean proteins resulted in weight loss without the need for counting calories.
2. Reduced cancer risk: An unhealthful diet can lead to obesity, which may increase a person’s risk of developing cancer. Weighing within a healthful range may reduce this risk. Also, in 2014, the American Society of Clinical Oncology reported that obesity contributed to a worse outlook for people with cancer. However, diets rich in fruits and vegetables may help to protect against cancer. In a separate study from 2014, researchers found that a diet rich in fruits reduced the risk of cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract. They also found that a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fiber lowered the risk of colorectal cancer and that a diet rich in fiber reduced the risk of liver cancer. Many phytochemicals found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes act as antioxidants, which protect cells from damage that can cause cancer. Some of these antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, and vitamins A, C, and E. Trials in humans have been inconclusive, but results of laboratory and animal studies have linked certain antioxidants to a reduced incidence of free radical damage associated with cancer. Eating a healthful diet can help a person with diabetes to: lose weight, if required manage blood glucose levels keep blood pressure and cholesterol within target ranges prevent or delay complications of diabetes. It is essential for people with diabetes to limit their intake of foods with added sugar and salt. It is also best to avoid fried foods high in saturated and trans fats.
3. Heart health and stroke prevention: According to figures published in 2017, as many as 92.1 million people in the U.S. have at least one type of cardiovascular disease. These conditions primarily involve the heart or blood vessels. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, up to 80 percent of cases of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented by making lifestyle changes, such as increasing levels of physical activity and eating healthfully. There is some evidence that vitamin E may prevent blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks. The following foods contain high levels of vitamin E: almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, green vegetables. The medical community has long recognized the link between trans fats and heart-related illnesses, such as coronary heart disease. If a person eliminates trans fats from the diet, this will reduce their levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This type of cholesterol causes plaque to collect within the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Reducing blood pressure can also be essential for heart health, and limiting salt intake to 1,500 milligrams a day can help. Salt is added to many processed and fast foods, and a person hoping to lower their blood pressure should avoid these.
4. Better mood: Emerging evidence suggests a close relationship between diet and mood. In 2016, researchers found that a diet with a high glycemic load may cause increased symptoms of depression and fatigue. A diet with a high glycemic load includes many refined carbohydrates, such as those found in soft drinks, cakes, white bread, and biscuits. Vegetables, whole fruit, and whole grains have a lower glycemic load. While a healthful diet may improve overall mood, it is essential for people with depression to seek medical care.
If you enjoyed this article, please click here and here to read more helpful articles
