Benefits of Healthy Eating

Healthy eating means taking a balanced and nutritious diet instead of eating foods that contain sugar, added salt, and trans fats. A healthy diet offers great health benefits. It prevents diseases, improves heart health, strengthens bones, etc. If you wish to know all the benefits you get by eating healthy, then take a good look below.

1. Improves heart health

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart diseases are becoming the leading cause of death in the USA. Around 50% of America’s population is suffering from Heart issues. High blood pressure also leads to stroke, heart failure, and heart attacks. Some sources state that you can prevent health issues by bringing changes in your daily lifestyle like healthy eating and physical exercise. Eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products can reduce the risk of heart diseases. Reducing your sodium intake can also help you in keeping your heart healthy.

2. Reduces the risk of cancer

Eating food items that are rich in antioxidants can reduce the risk of cancer. Free radicals present in your body can cause cancer. Antioxidants help in reducing these radicals. Phytochemicals found in legumes, nuts, vegetables, and fruits act as antioxidants and help in reducing the risk of cancer.

3. Improves Gut Health

The colon is full of bacteria that play a vital role in digestion and metabolism. Some strains of bacteria produce Vitamin B and Vitamin K that are good for the colon. They help in fighting harmful viruses and bacteria. A diet rich in whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables gives you a combination of probiotics and prebiotics that increase good bacteria in your colon. Food items like Kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kimchi and yogurt are rich in probiotics.

4. Improves memory

A healthy and balanced diet is good for your brain’s health. A study conducted in 2015 stated that nutrient-rich foods prevent dementia and cognitive decline. Food items rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins C, D, and E are good for cognitive health.

5. Helps you lose weight

One of the greatest benefits of healthy eating is that it helps you lose weight. Obesity or being overweight can lead to other life-threatening illnesses like heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, etc. Beans, fruits, and vegetables have low calories and are good for your health. If you wish to lose weight, then you must stop consuming processed foods and start eating leafy vegetables and fruits instead.

6. Strong teeth and bones

It is essential to take a diet rich in magnesium and calcium in order to have strong teeth and bones. Food items like tofu, cauliflower, broccoli, legumes, and low-fat dairy products are rich in calcium. Seeds, whole grains, nuts, and vegetables are great sources of magnesium. Consumption of these food items reduces the risk of bone issues like Osteoporosis.

So, the above-mentioned are some of the benefits that you get by eating healthy food. However, the list doesn’t end here as you get many other benefits by eating healthy food such as better mood, diabetes management, and restful sleep.