Why Is It Important To Maintain Healthy Diet?

A healthy diet improves or helps maintain health and is characterized by consuming an adequate amount of all nutrients through a varied diet composed of mostly whole, unprocessed foods. According to the World Health Organization, consuming an unhealthy diet, paired with little or no physical activity, is a major risk factor for developing chronic disease.

Description

According to the World Health Organization, a healthy diet is one that provides enough calories for an individual to maintain a healthy weight. It is fat-controlled, providing less than 35 percent of total calories from fat and less than 10 percent of total calories from saturated fat and trans fats. A healthy diet is rich in unprocessed, high-fiber, whole foods such as fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts, and is low in added sugars and salt.

Composition

According to the American Heart Association, as part of a healthy diet, an individual on a 2,000-calorie diet should aim to eat at least 4.5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily; at least three 1-oz. servings of whole grains daily; at least two 3.5-oz. servings of fish, preferably oily fish, weekly; and no more than 36 oz. per week of sugar-sweetened beverages. Furthermore, the AHA recommends consuming at least four servings per week of nuts, legumes and/or seeds and limiting processed meats to less than two servings weekly.

Lowers Disease Risk

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines for Americans, compared with those individuals who consume few fruits and vegetables, those who eat generous amounts as part of a healthy diet are less likely to suffer from stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancers--in particular, cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx, larynx, esophagus, lung, stomach and colon. In addition, diets high in fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes, may reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease.

Weight Control

Healthy, wholesome, unprocessed foods that are free of added sugars are typically lower in calories than unhealthy processed foods. Consuming a healthy diet increases the likelihood that you will maintain a normal weight and body mass index, or BMI, throughout your life. The Food Guide Pyramid, or MyPyramid Planner, provides guidelines on serving sizes and the number of servings from each group that you should eat daily--depending on your gender, activity level, current weight and age--for weight control.

Skin Health

Optimum intake of nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, is essential for healthy hair, skin, nails and teeth. Dr. Susan Taylor, a dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in New York, N.Y., believes eating a nutritious and healthy diet is essential for optimal skin health. According to Dr. Taylor, consuming a balanced, healthy diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants makes a difference in your skin's appearance.