Eating healthy not only can help you look great and maintain a healthy body weight, it can help you prevent long-term chronic illnesses. These long-term illnesses can result in a lower quality of life, disability and even death. Some people are genetically predisposed to illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, however, a healthy diet can help prevent or delay their onset.
A Healthy Diet
Eating healthy means having a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats, trans fats, sodium and cholesterol. It also includes sticking with lean proteins and low-fat dairy products and avoiding highly processed foods that are high in calories and low in nutrition. Make sure you drink plenty of water and avoid high-calorie sugary drinks, caffeinated beverages and alcohol.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is when the measurement of the force of the blood being pumped against the walls of the arteries becomes high. High blood pressure is a common condition that is also known as the silent killer, because many people who have it do not know it. It can result in coronary artery disease, heart attacks or strokes. In addition to eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and keeping stress levels under control are other preventive measures for hypertension.
Diabetes
Diabetes affects over 2 million Americans, according to the American Heart Association. It is a condition that affects the production of insulin and how the body breaks down glucose, or sugar, in food. Diabetes is a condition that can result in many complications, including blindness, kidney failure, poor wound healing and nerve damage. Type 2 diabetes can be delayed, prevented or controlled by keeping your weight under control and eating a healthy diet. If you are at risk for diabetes, it is important to discuss with your doctor how often you should get screened.
Coronary Artery Disease
The most common cause of heart attacks is coronary artery disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronary artery disease is when plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries, which carry blood to the heart. This condition can lead to the heart muscle not getting enough oxygen supply or no supply, arrhythmias, enlargement of the heart, or heart failure. Preventing high cholesterol by eating a healthy diet can help to prevent coronary artery disease and related conditions.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Choosing What, How Much and When to Eat
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Basics
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Hypertension
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Your Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronary Artery Disease
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Prevention: What You Can Do
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