Your body reflects what you eat, and so does your health. From your cells to your organs, your entire body relies on dietary nutrients for health and development. Organic, fresh produce provides your body with essential vitamins and minerals, while sweets, pastries and fast food are detrimental to your health. Regardless of whether or not you are trying to lose weight, good, wholesome food is essential to your health and well-being.
Foods with Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates are essential nutrients and the most important source of energy for your body, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Healthy, complex carbohydrates include whole grains, whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta and non-starchy vegetables. Your body relies on carbohydrates to properly break down fats. If you do not consume a sufficient amount of carbohydrates, your body may go into a state of ketosis, according to Mayo Clinic. Ketosis occurs when your body cannot adequately break down fats, which can lead to dehydration, weakness, nausea, dizziness and irritability.
Foods with Protein and Healthy Fats
Dietary protein supplies your body with essential amino acids that help build your muscles, bones and skin. Protein is in every living cell in your body, according to MedlinePlus. Healthy sources of protein include seafood, nuts, eggs and lean meats such as turkey, ham and skinless chicken. Seafood such as herring, salmon, trout and cod is also a source of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats help lower your blood cholesterol level when you use them instead of saturated and trans fats. Other healthy sources of healthy fats include nuts, seeds and vegetable oils such as safflower, soybean, extra-virgin olive, canola, and sunflower.
Foods with Unhealhty Fats
Foods that contain unhealthy fats such as trans fats and saturated should be avoided. These fats can cause your blood cholesterol to rise, which can lead to heart disease. The American Heart Association states that, "if you need 2,000 calories a day, you should consume less than 2 grams of trans fat." Foods that are generally high in unhealthy fats include french fries, margarine, doughnuts, frozen food, cookies, cooking oils made from partially-hydrogenated oils, pound cake and ice cream.
Foods With Added Sugar
Diets high in sugar content have been associated with weight gain, cavities, insufficient nutrition and elevated triglyceride levels, which can raise your risk of heart attack. Avoid food with high fructose corn syrup, as it is similar to table sugar and is one of the most common added sweeteners to commercial food. Foods high in added sugar or high fructose corn syrup include ice cream, pastries, doughnuts, soda, canned fruit juice and cookies.
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