Why One Should Eat Healthy

Food is the fuel of your life and you need it to carry out your daily functions. A variety of foods are available for consumption but a diet made up of unhealthy options loaded with sugar, saturated fat and calories, can significantly impair your quality of life. Healthy eating means you consume foods that meet your nutritional needs for calories, carbohydrates, protein and healthy sources of fat.

Stress, Mood and Energy Level

The foods you eat have a direct impact on your mood, energy and stress level. Some foods you eat can affect your neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that influence how you feel and think. Specifically, serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters involved in mood, energy and stress, notes the Cleveland Clinic. A healthy diet that includes complex carbohydrates like whole grains and vegetables, gives you energy throughout the day and helps to stabilize your mood during stress, because it keeps your blood glucose level even. Lean proteins from poultry, eggs or low-fat dairy also help to release dopamine and norepinephrine to sustain energy and regulate your mood.

Lower Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

Cholesterol is a waxy substance made in your liver but also added to your body from animal-based foods containing fat. Cholesterol is transported through your bloodstream by low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, and when you have too much LDL, it causes narrowing of your arteries. If your blood is unable to move freely through your body, it causes pressure in your blood vessels. High blood pressure results from your heart working harder and using an excessive amount of force to move the blood through your body. High cholesterol is related to high blood pressure, but these conditions do not always occur together. High blood pressure can result from a diet high in sodium and fat. Lower your risk of high cholesterol and blood pressure with a low sodium diet of 1,500 mg or less a day, and eat foods low in saturated or trans fats.

Protect the Heart

Heart disease is the primary killer of Americans. High cholesterol and high blood pressure, as well as obesity and diabetes, are significant risk factors for heart disease. These conditions can be managed through eating a healthy diet. Protect your heart with a largely plant-based diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains. Plant-based foods are naturally low calorie and low fat, but also contain antioxidants, substances that protect your heart from free radical damage. According to MayoClinic.com, eat foods with antioxidants for the best source of prevention and protection instead of taking supplements. Berries, leafy green vegetables, nuts and oats are options to add to your daily diet to keep your heart healthy.

Age Gracefully

Aging is inevitable, but the foods you eat can help you sustain longevity by protecting your internal organs and external appearance. Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach and collards contain vitamins A and E, which are important for skin elasticity and health. Add fresh avocado to your salad, eat mixed berries as a snack and drink plenty of water throughout the day as part of your diet. Consume five to eight servings of fruits or vegetables daily to keep your digestive system regular and promote healthy skin.

Manage Weight

The average 2,000 calorie a day diet is considered healthy for most individuals to sustain a normal weight. However, this can vary because your daily caloric needs depend on your activity level, gender and weight. Manage or lose weight with a primarily plant-based diet that also incorporates sources of protein from lean meats such as fish or chicken and low-fat dairy. Avoid fad diets that restrict your nutrient intake, because you can lose weight by eating healthy and cutting calories. Consult your physician if you are considering weight loss to get a recommendation for a plan that is best for your condition.