Our physical and mental health is largely determined by what we feed our bodies. When we feed our bodies right, it tends to work properly. But when we don’t, there might be problems. What do we need to eat, and avoid, to stay healthy? Let’s see a few.
Eat a Variety of Fruits and Vegetables Daily
You won’t find a better nutritional source than fruits and veggies, which are packed with vitamins A, C and E, as well as magnesium, zinc, phosphorous and folic acid. Your body needs at least five portions of fruits and vegetables every day. Many vegetables and fruits contain phytochemicals, which are biologically active substances that can help protect against some diseases. Enjoying fruits and vegetables is a great way to improve your health. Be sure to balance out your diet.
Eat Only Moderate Amounts of Fats and Oils
Research shows that eating moderate amounts of food high in unsaturated fat can help lower your risk of heart disease or stroke, maintain your body’s cells and brain health, enhance absorption of certain vitamins, such as A, D, E and K, and fight inflammation. You should limit your intake of fried foods and processed or commercially baked foods, which often contain unhealthy fats. When possible, cook with unsaturated vegetable oils. These oils are better than those that are high in saturated fats.
Limit Your Intake of Salt and Sugar
The World Health Organisation recommends that adults restrict their total daily intake of salt to less than one teaspoonful. WHO also recommends a total intake of less than 12 level teaspoons of free sugars daily. Sugar is the main ingredient of many processed foods and drinks. While soft drinks contain many calories, they provide little or no nutritional value. Therefore it is advisable to cut down on your intake of soft drinks. Eating too much salt can raise your blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke.
Get Active and Be a Healthy Weight
As well as eating healthily, regular exercise may help reduce your risk of getting serious health conditions. It’s also important for your overall health and well-being. Being overweight can lead to health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, heart disease and stroke.
There is not one rule that fits all when it comes to eating well. Applying the commonly accepted recommendations as mentioned above might be the most advisable for all of us.
