Eating healthy means getting more vegetables, fruits and lean protein — as well as less salt, sugar and saturated and industrially-produced trans fats. It can also help prevent obesity, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Eating healthy can have a direct impact on your mood. The bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract produce chemicals that send messages to the brain. When these chemicals are optimal, your mood is, too.
Diet plays an important role in the growth and development of the body
The food you consume is one of the most important factors in your overall health. It can affect your body weight, risk for certain chronic diseases, and even mood. Good nutrition can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, improve muscle strength and build strong bones and teeth. In addition, it can also increase your energy levels. In contrast, unhealthy eating habits can lead to obesity and may cause heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and low bone density.
Eating a balanced diet means eating foods from all 5 food groups each day, in the recommended amounts. Some foods, such as takeaway foods and cakes, are not necessary to your health and should be eaten only occasionally. It is also a good idea to choose nutrient-dense foods when eating snacks. These snacks can include fruit, vegetables and whole grains. They should be low in calories and saturated fat, and contain calcium and vitamin D.
It helps in weight loss
The right diet can help you lose weight, feel more energized, and reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. A healthy diet includes a mix of foods and drinks that are low in fat, sugar, and salt. It also contains a variety of nutrients, especially fiber and protein. A diet that includes these foods can boost your immune system and promote overall health.
Good nutrition is essential for children’s growth and development, and it can help people with chronic (long-term) diseases manage their conditions better. It can also help them live longer and avoid complications.
A healthy, balanced diet includes a wide range of food groups and is made up of mainly whole foods. It contains high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, heart-healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. It is also low in sodium, sugars, and saturated and trans fats. Foods that do not fit into these groups are called ‘discretionary choices’ and should be eaten only occasionally.
It helps in preventing diseases
A healthy diet protects you from some of the most common diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. It consists of foods from all 5 food groups and is low in salt, sugars and saturated fat. It also contains lots of fibre and nutrients. Ideally, you should choose foods that are prepared at home and limit packaged snacks and sodas, which are often high in added sugar and salt.
Eating a healthy diet can help you feel better, sleep more soundly and have higher energy levels. It can even reduce the risk of some mental health problems, such as depression. A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It also limits sugar, salt and processed meats.
It helps in boosting the immune system
Many people ask about foods that boost immune function during the winter and flu season. While boosting the immune system is important, it is a complex job that requires careful balance. We want our immune systems to be strong enough to fight off viruses and bacteria but not so strong that they start attacking healthy cells.
Our immune system functions best when it gets a variety of vitamins and minerals in our diets. Vitamins A, C, E and K, folate, zinc, selenium, copper and fish or plant proteins all contribute to immune function.
A balanced diet, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, dairy or fortified alternatives and protein is the best way to get these nutrients. You can also add some spice to your meals to help boost the immune system, but avoid overdoing it as some spices, such as garlic, can cause stomach upset. Getting plenty of sleep and practicing stress reduction techniques are also important for immune health.
