Nowadays, people tend to eat a diet rich in sugars, trans fats, and saturated fats instead of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But, what you eat is what you are, and a balanced diet is a critical component of a healthy life. In fact, following a healthy diet prevents malnutrition and helps you fight many health conditions, including obesity, stroke, cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Below are a few points that will give you an overview of the importance of nutrition and help you make beneficial dietary choices going forward.
- Good Nutrition is Important for Mental Well-Being
According to a report by the Mental Health Foundation, people who eat fresh fruits and veggies on a daily basis are less likely to have mental health problems than those who eat unhealthy, processed foods. So, your diet should be full of minerals, vitamins, complex carbs, and essential fats to reduce your risk for mental health complications (Mental Health).
- Helps Prevent Health Costs
Today, around 70% of American adults are either obese or overweight. According to the US Department of Agriculture, if people eat a healthy diet, they can help the government save at least $71 billion annually in lost lives and medical costs. Also, around 75% of the country's health budget is spent on the treatment of preventable diseases, including obesity (Mental Health).
- Helps You Maintain A Healthy Weight
If you want to maintain a healthy weight, make sure to eat a diet that consists of lean protein, low fat dairy, whole grains, veggies, and fruits. Without managing your diet, you can't lose weight and get into shape, no matter how intense your exercise regimen. By adding different types of fruits and veggies into your diet, you can control your cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight (MedicalNews).
- Boosts Your Immune System
Your immune system fights off disease and protects your body against health threats. One of the most common causes of immunodeficiency is poor nutrition. If you want to maintain a healthy, functioning immune system, make sure that your diet is full of minerals and vitamins, which can be found in fruits and veggies. In fact, a diet that includes an assortment of different fruits and veggies can strengthen your immune system (Northportwellnesscenter).
- Helps Reduce Signs of Aging
Your skin needs a certain amount of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, no matter your age. Foods like fish, nuts, avocados, berries and tomatoes contain the essential vitamins and minerals for youthful, glowing skin. For instance, tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, which helps produce collagen. Collagen makes your skin firmer by slowing down the premature aging. Berries perform a similar function in improving skin health and appearance (Northportwellnesscenter).
- Boosts Your Energy
Your body gets the energy that it needs from what consume on a daily basis. The primary nutrients that your body needs for fuel are protein, fats, and carbs. Carbohydrates, like starchy veggies and whole grain bread, are an ideal source of energy because your body digests them at a slower rate than refined or processed carbs.
Iron deficiency causes low energy, dehydration, and fatigue. Foods that are high in iron include green leafy veggies, peas, poultry, and seafood. Additionally, iron and vitamin C should be consumed at the same time to give your body maximum benefits. Good sources of vitamin C include tomatoes, leafy greens, peppers, kiwi, and broccoli (Northportwellnesscenter)..
- Helps Prevent Chronic Disease
According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, poor nutrition may increase your risk for many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is one of the main causes of blindness and kidney failure in Americans.
Based on the points above, it's clear that good nutrition is critical to maintaining your health and leading a balanced lifestyle (Medical News Today).
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160774.php
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/d/diet-and-mental-health
https://www.northportwellnesscenter.com/blog/the-importance-of-good-nutrition