How Can Eating Better Attribute To A Healthy Body?

Eating right is not a complex science. You should not eat more calories than you can burn on a daily basis, and you should make sure those calories offer the best nutrition for your body. Choose wisely from all food groups to balance your meals, and avoid or limit foods that aren't nutritious.

Fats

Fat has developed a reputation for contributing to obesity, but not all fats are bad. Your body uses "good" fats for brain function, the energy that keeps your heart pumping, and to slow down digestion so your body has more time to absorb necessary nutrients from your food. Good fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Trans fats and saturated fats should be avoided. Both raise LDL or "bad" cholesterol and put you at risk for coronary artery disease. Red meat, whole milk products, butter and margarine are high in these fats.

Fiber

Sufficient fiber in your diet supports a healthy body in several ways. It lowers LDL cholesterol, regulates blood sugar and keeps the bowels moving. Fiber consists of those parts of plant foods that the body cannot digest. Instead, they move through your digestive system and keep it functioning properly so your body can efficiently dispose of waste. If you don't already eat a lot of fiber, however, don't start all at once. Increase your fiber intake gradually to avoid the risk of gas, bloating and cramping.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates have a reputation for causing weight gain, too, but there are also good and bad kinds of carbs. Your body converts all carbohydrates into glucose for immediate energy, but the rush from simple carbs burns off quickly and they tend to have little in the way of nutritional value. Simple carbs are those found in sugar and white bread. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain the complex carbohydrates that your body needs to keep powering you along.

Sodium

MayoClinic.com indicates that most Americans consume far more salt than they should. A little sodium goes a long way toward maintaining body fluid levels and nerve impulses. Too much, however, causes increased blood volume, which in turn raises blood pressure and makes your heart work harder. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines published by the American Heart Association recommend that salt-sensitive individuals, including older adults and those with high blood pressure, limit their sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day. Younger, healthy adults should consume no more than 2,300 mg per day.