What you choose to eat not only tells the story about your exterior appearance, but it also determines how your brain is going to perform and what kind of physical strength levels you will have. Basic health food is a big contributor to all of these characteristics.
Significance
When food is consumed, it is broken down into tiny particles and used by the body for energy, recovery and maintenance of daily functions. When you feed the body low octane fuel, it will respond in a negative way. However, when you construct your diet out of basic health food, it will help you function optimally.
Features
Healthy foods have a particular set of characteristics. They are low in fat, high in fiber, high in phytonutrients, and they contain a number of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They are also generally found in pure form and not highly refined, processed or manufactured.
Density
Calorie density is a concept that determines how many calories a particular food has per gram of weight. Foods that have high-calorie densities are generally also high in saturated fat, and they are the kinds of foods that should be consumed in moderation. Basic health foods, on the other hand, have a low calorie density.
Types
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, fish, nuts and seeds are basic health foods. Fruits and vegetables--such as red peppers, tomatoes, citrus fruits and strawberries--are all high in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Whole grains such as oatmeal, barley, quinoa and brown rice are high in B vitamins and fiber. Beans are high in iron, protein, B vitamins, fiber and magnesium. Salmon, herring, avocados, almonds, walnuts and flax seeds are high in essential fats. Almonds contain vitamin E and calcium.
Misconceptions
Many people automatically think organic when it comes to basic health food. Although organic food is healthy, it does not mean that conventional food is not. The difference between the two is that organic foods are raised without the use of hormones, pesticides and other chemicals. But there is no proof that an organic orange is any healthier than a conventional orange. They are still high in vitamin C, low in fat and healthy.
Benefits
Several benefits can be reaped from eating basic health foods. You can keep your weight under control, your brain function can be elevated and you can reduce your risk for chronic diseases. According to the Mayo Clinic, the omega-3 fats found in salmon can help lower your risk for stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart attacks.
