Why is healthy eating important?
Eating a healthy and varied diet can improve general well-being. Good nutrition is essential to obtain the nutrients to keep the body healthy as well as avoiding substances that may be harmful. Having a healthy diet and doing regular exercise can help to achieve and maintain healthy body weight. A healthy diet is also important to help reduce the risk of developing certain long-term diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and strokes. Additionally, it may reduce the risk of developing certain cancers and types of dementia. Conversely, a poor diet can lead to weight gain and can lead to an increased risk of developing certain long-term diseases. Any of these health conditions can lead to poor quality of life and other health complications, which can eventually result in a decreased life expectancy.
What are the benefits of eating healthy?
- Heart health.
- Reduced cancer risk.
- Better mood.
- Gut health.
- Memory.
- Weight loss.
- Diabetes.
- Bones and teeth.
Did You Know: Healthy Food Facts
Apples are more effective than coffee at waking you up in the morning.
Bananas aren’t the only fruits with potassium. Avocados have twice the amount of potassium as bananas and are rich in monounsaturated fat that is burned easily as energy. Bananas contain a lot of sugar, if eaten with protein, the insulin levels are normalised.
Broccoli contains twice the amount of Vitamin C as an orange. It contains as much calcium as whole milk and is more readily absorbed by our bodies.
Onions are great antioxidants, containing anti-allergy, antiviral, and anti-histamine properties. Maximum health benefits are seen in raw or lightly steamed onions.
Parsley is also great for use as a digestive aid. It is a natural breath freshener, anti-carcinogen, contains three times the amount of vitamin C as oranges, and twice the amount of iron as in spinach.
The Eatwell Guide shows how much of what we eat overall should come from each food group to achieve a healthy, balanced diet.
You do not need to achieve this balance with every meal, but try to get the balance right over a day or even a week.
Most of us still are not eating enough fruit and vegetables. They should make up over a third of the food we eat each day.
Aim to eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and veg each day. Choose from fresh, frozen, tinned, dried or juiced.
For more information check out The Eatwell Guide.
