You know you need to eat to stay alive, but some people might wonder what all the hubbub is when it comes to making smart food choices. If you've ever heard the saying "you are what you eat," then this might help, as eating healthy actually keeps your brain, body and mind healthy as well.
Nourishment
Making smart food choices provides you with a variety of precious nutrients your body needs to survive. Nutrients compreise two primary groups: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are substances in food such as fat, carbohydrates and protein, while micronutrients are minerals and vitamins. Both are equally important, and without either, you would die. Eating a variety of healthy food assures that you get both groups to nourish your body, give you energy and keep you alive.
Fitness
Eating healthy not only keeps you alive, but it can keep you fit. By sticking to a smart diet, you're lowering your chances of becoming overweight or obese. That in itself is a good thing, because being overweight may increase your chances of suffering from other health problems, including diabetes or heart disease. While with unhealthy food you can become tired easily and feel sluggish, healthy food can provide you with long-lasting energy to keep you on your toes and keep your weight under control.
Protection
Healthy food can significantly decrease your chances of suffering illness. Eating food particularly high in antioxidants -- such as fruits and vegetables -- can offer this protection. In fact, the Alzheimer's Association explains that eating a diet rich in antioxidants is part of a brain-healthy diet and may reduce your chances of having heart disease or a stroke. This is because antioxidants neutralize free radicals, components that can destroy your genetic material, leading to diseases, cancers and possibly death. As you grow older, and if you participate in unhealthy habits -- such as drinking alcohol -- these free radicals become more abundant. Consuming healthy foods naturally provides you with antioxidants to protect your brain and your whole body.
Life Quality
Just as your lifespan can increase if you eat healthy foods daily, so can your life's quality. "MSNBC Today" showed a piece from "Eat Your Way to Happiness" by Elizabeth Somer in 2009. Somer explains that smart food choices improve yourself physically and emotionally, and that you can become happier by eating healthier. One example is that you have more energy; another is if you're trying to lose weight, then healthy foods is the way to go, and getting in shape can be a boost for your self-esteem. She goes on to explain that individuals who are happy are less susceptible to illnesses, and when they do get sick they typically recover very fast. She adds that they may even add another decade to their lifespans.
Member Comments