This Is the Importance of Healthy Eating
About one in three people in the US are at risk of anemia or vitamin deficiency. A quarter of the US population is also at risk of being deficient in at least one vitamin.
Poor eating habits are among the top reasons for these nutritional deficiencies. Experts also say these unhealthy practices claim 11 million lives worldwide each year.
All those figures highlight the importance of healthy eating. The question is, what exactly does healthy eating have to do with your health and well-being?
We’ll answer that question in more detail below, so read on to discover just how important a healthy diet is.
Staves off the Effects of Malnutrition
Nonessential nutrients, like vitamins B7, D, and K, are those that the body can synthesize on its own. Most other vitamins and minerals are “essential,” as the body can’t create them on its own. These essential nutrients must come from external sources, such as food and beverages.
Unfortunately, about 90% of the US population doesn’t consume enough veggies and fruits. This is a problem, as most essential nutrients come from these products. Malnutrition can occur if the body doesn’t get enough of these essential nutrients.
Malnutrition can result in poor digestion, skin diseases, and weak bones. In fact, lack of nutrients can contribute to osteoporosis, in which the bones lose mass. Moreover, nutritional deficiencies can increase the risks of diabetes and heart diseases.
Therefore, one of the chief reasons to eat healthily is to prevent malnutrition. This means consuming 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruits and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables each day. You should also cut back on your intake of added sugars, processed food, salt, and saturated fats.
Helps Counter and Prevent the Dangers of Obesity
About one in three adults and one in six children and teens in the US have obesity. Obesity, in turn, raises one’s risks of developing heart conditions and diabetes. It also increases the risk of experiencing life-threatening strokes.
Budget friendly healthy eating habits can help cut your risks of obesity. They’re especially beneficial if you pair them with regular physical activity. Having a healthful diet and staying active also helps strengthen your musculoskeletal system.
Promotes Mental Health
Researchers found evidence that poor nutrition can result in low or poor moods. By contrast, diets rich in fruits, veggies, and healthy fats appear to improve moods. Other cited benefits of healthy diets include lower stress levels and enhanced cognition.
Helps Boost the Immune System
Vitamins B6, C, and E promote healthy immune responses, but the body doesn’t make these on its own. As such, you need to get them from food; otherwise, your immune functions will drop. A poor immune system, in turn, can put you at a higher risk of diseases, especially infections.
Never Underestimate the Importance of Healthy Eating Again
As you can see, the primary importance of healthy eating is to reduce your risks of diseases. Preventing illnesses, in turn, helps you live a longer, higher quality of life. The better your health is, the better you’ll feel, which can then help you keep your mental health in check.
Ready for more guides to help you lead a healthier, happier life? Then be sure to stick around and browse our other informative health-related posts!
