According to the Mayo Clinic a healthy diet is one that consists of foods from the major food groups. A healthy diet contains an adequate amount of calories and nutrients that can help you control your weight and enhance your sense of well-being. Healthy eating can help guard against illness, medical conditions and diseases.
Definition
According to Direct.gov, a healthy diet includes a minimum of five portions of fruits and vegetables each day and an ample amount of starchy foods such as pasta, rice, bread, potatoes and cereals. Low-fat dairy products should be consumed in moderate amounts as should meat and fish. Eating healthy also means keeping salt intake and high fat and/or high sugar snacks at a minimum.
Nutrients
A healthy diet provides the nutrients that are necessary to keep your body and brain operating effectively and providing you with energy to keep moving. Nutrients also maintain muscle function, contribute to bone strength and help regulate blood pressure. Nutrients include proteins (meat, fish, eggs, veggies and grains), carbohydrates (pasta, breads, rice) and fat (salad dress, nuts, seeds and butter). Healthy eating is also good for you because non-nutrients such as fiber and phytochemicals (from plant) have antioxidant effects which can offer protection from disease.
Vitamins
Vitamins are known as micronutrients. According to Sutter Health org. vitamins help encourage wound healing and the production of new cells. Although vitamins work in a variety of ways they generally assist with certain functions such as helping the body use carbohydrates, fats and protein.
Minerals
Minerals are key ingredients to the structure and proper function of the body. Minerals strengthen and maintain the health of bones and teeth, control blood sugar levels, transport oxygen to cells and help preserve the health of your immune system.
Reducing Risk of Disease
According to Sutter Health.org fruits and vegetables that are a part of a healthy diet can help lower blood pressure as well as reduce the likelihood of develop certain cancers including stomach, colon and esophageal. A diet low in saturated may also reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Managing Health Conditions
In addition to offering protection from certain diseases, healthy eating may help manage existing health conditions. Sutter Health says a healthy diet can help diabetics manage blood sugar and lessen the chance of developing complications. People with high cholesterol may be able to lower their levels through a healthy diet that includes a low consumption of fats and a high amount of fiber.
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