The Advantages of Health Eating

Healthy eating remains a personal choice. It has distinct advantages that are available to every one of us. An abundant sense of well-being, high energy levels, emotional integrity, a sharp and alert mind, and physical fitness can be achieved by anyone. Who can deny the advantage of good nutritional habits over the chances of developing a major illness or disease? Health is not just an absence of illness. It encompasses so much more, allowing us to fully enjoy and appreciate a high quality of living. These are just a few of the advantages of healthy eating.

'''An Overview Of Eating Healthy'''

"Optimum nutrition," on the most basic level, as defined by British nutritionist Patrick Holford in his book, The Optimum Nutrition Bible, "is very simply giving yourself the best possible intake of nutrients to allow your body to be as healthy as possible and to work as well is it can." We each have distinctive needs that are dependent on many, many factors, beginning with the strengths and weaknesses we were born with (our genetic makeup) up to the effects that our current environment has on each of us. This is apparent by the tremendous variation among us. Thus, our nutritional needs will also be distinctive. Although there is no one best way of eating for everyone, there are some general guidelines that apply to all of us.
Our bodies are made up of the molecules that we get from our food. In each of our lifetimes, we will eat about 100 tons of food, according to Holford. This food will be broken down by enzyme rich secretions found in our digestive tracts. The digestive tract absorbs both macronutrients (fats, proteins and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). The health and integrity of not only our digestive tracts, but of our entire selves as living beings, depends on what we eat. Our nutritional status determines how we maintain health and adapt to challenges in our everyday lives. We can maintain and promote our health each day by attaining our ideal intake of each of the required nutrients.

'''Protection from Disease'''

Protection from disease probably is the greatest benefit of healthy eating. Many of the diseases that we see every day, including cancer, diabetes and heart disease, are directly related to our diets. Breast, colon and prostate cancers are all related to poor eating habits. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and stroke can also be prevented through better eating habits. Diet-related disease abounds in our society, and it is through favorable eating habits that we can promote better health in ourselves and our loved ones.

'''Weight Management'''

We are all aware of the relationship of poor eating habits to obesity. Obesity is one of the fastest-growing health concerns in this country today. We tend to eat more food than our bodies really need to function properly. This is one of the biggest factors that has contributed to the increasing numbers of people who have weight-management issues. We say that we don't have time to prepare and cook healthy meals. In order to improve the quality of our lives in many more ways than just weight management, we need to learn how to prioritize the responsibilities in our lives.

'''Increased Energy'''

Our bodies require the proper nutrients to fuel and energize us for the tasks ahead in our day. Energy to accomplish the things we want to in life is possible through optimum nutrition. Healthy eating makes us feel more energetic and, thereby, we enjoy our lives much more as well.

'''Mental Alertness'''

Improved mental clarity and concentration are achieved through proper eating habits. Optimum nutrition is associated with a longer lifespan and staying sharp throughout our lives is a goal we all hope to achieve. Healthy eating habits are also associated with mental and emotional balance, promoting a higher quality of life.

'''Stronger Immune System'''

Good nutritional habits help to protect us from infections by improving our resistance. By including fresh fruits and vegetables and whole-grain products instead of processed, junk foods our bodies can obtain the needed supply of nutrients it requires to keep us strong and healthy. By eating a variety of foods we should be able to ensure that our body gets all the nutrients it needs.

'''Additional Benefits to Eating a Healthy Diet'''

Some additional benefits that we gain through eating a healthy diet include an improved quality of sleep, better skin tone, a general feeling of well-being, improved physical performance, lower incidences of ill health, an increased IQ and a longer life with an increased quality and an abundance of vitality. By making small changes in our diets, by controlling portion sizes and making better choices we can achieve the advantages of healthy eating.

HEALTH CARE