Every individual has different nutritional requirements. You may react differently to foods to another individual so an ultimate health diet will vary in composition from person to person. For health you should aim for a balanced diet. If you participate in sport or exercise, your body may have additional nutritional needs you will need to consider when formulating your diet plan.
Function
A healthy diet helps to maximize the essential functions of your body. Eating correctly for optimum health will ensure that your blood-sugar remains stable, you have sufficient energy to meet your daily activity requirements and your immune system works properly. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels helps to keep your energy levels constant. Patrick Holford, a nutritionist and the author of "Optimum Nutrition Made Easy," says that Glycemic Load can be used to measure energy intake in the form of carbohydrates to control blood sugar. A low Glycemic Load food releases energy slowly, helping you maintain stable blood sugar.
Considerations
You require a certain amount of water for optimum health. According to nutrionist Gillian McKeith in her book "Food Bible, The Complete A-Z Guide to a Healthy Life," an adult is made up of between 45 and 65 percent water. She recommends drinking at least two liters of water a day. If you exercise your diet needs to include more water because you lose fluid when you sweat.
Balanced Eating
There are three major food groups, carbohydrates, proteins and fats. You should eat all three on a daily basis to achieve optimum health. Your body also requires vitamins and minerals to function properly. Include fruit and vegetables in your diet because they are a source of minerals and minerals. They also provide you with fiber to aid your digestion and keep your colon healthy. According to the NHS in the UK fruit and vegetables include essential nutrients including folate, vitamin C and potassium.
Essential Fats
Fats are present in all body cells and they play a vital role in cell function and hormone balance. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble and will not be absorbed properly if you do not include essential fatty acids in your diet. Gillian McKeith advises that you should make sure Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats are included in your diet by eating oily fish such as mackerel, salmon and trout and nuts, seeds and flax seed oil. Organic dairy produce is also high in these essential fats.
Warning
If you are eating well for health, you may decide to eat certain things in addition to the foods you select for your ultimate health diet. Choose your snacks carefully because convenience foods such as chips and donuts contain refined sugar and trans-fats. These types of foods can cause your blood sugar to destabilize and should not form part of your diet if you are aiming for ultimate health.
References
- "Optimum Nutrition Made Easy;" Patrick Holford; 2008
- "Food Bible, The Complete A-Z Guide to a Healthy Life"; Gillian McKeith; 2008
- NHS Choices: Why 5 A Day?
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