The human body must have adequate nutrition to grow, function correctly, and prevent disease. The foods you eat form the basis of your overall health from the time you’re born. A balanced diet supplies the body with the calories necessary for energy, healing, thought processes, physical activity, and growth. The amounts of protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and carbs the body needs to keep you healthy is a science all in itself. Fortunately, we can benefit from years of scientific study and a global marketplace which makes shopping for healthy foods as easy as it rewarding.
The Heart Of The Matter
Planning meals rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber can prevent obesity. When a person consumes large quantities of foods containing saturated fat, sugar, and/or trans-fat it can lead to heart disease, liver conditions, and diabetes to name a few. Choosing oils such as vegetable or olive oil will help your heart and your waistline. Foods containing high saturated fats include:
- Butter
- Bacon drippings
- Lard
- Palm oil
- Coconut oil
How The Body Uses Food
Your body has a job to do. It starts from the moment you take your first bite of food. Immediately, the glands inside your mouth starts releasing enzymes whose primary function is to start breaking down the meal you just ate. The fats, proteins, and carbohydrates will be digested and re-directed to every internal organ making it possible for you to move, think and laugh. The glucose produced by the carbs you ate will provide you with instant energy or energy to be used later on. Healthy foods containing complex carbohydrates (also known as superfoods) include fruits, whole grains, and vegetables perfect for what the human body needs to stay healthy.
The Link Between Diet and Disease
Many diseases have been linked to poor nutrition. Cancer, diabetes and heart disease are prime examples of maladies that might have been prevented by eating healthier foods. Saturated and trans fats cause atherosclerosis, (hardening of the arteries) a critical risk factor for myocardial infarction and stroke. This is why it’s so important to check your cholesterol; the higher your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels are in your blood, the better the chances your arteries will suffer damage. The American Cancer Society reports the following foods can put you at risk for colon and/or liver cancer:
- Processed meats
- Fried meats
- Alcohol
Better Food Better Mood
Eating well directly influences our behavior, mood, and attitude. The human mind must be properly nourished to perform the hundreds of thousands of functions necessary to keep us alive. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports foods packed with antioxidants may increase the neurons needed to achieve longevity, improving communication between brain cells resulting in better mental cognition and overall performance.
A nutritious, balanced diet means less depression, anxiety and confusion and more energy, health, and well-being; something the whole world can benefit from.