Importance And Benefits Of Good Nutrition

One of the keys to a healthy life is opting for a healthy diet and proper nutrition. Wellness is an active process of making the right choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. It’s essential because as we age, regular exercise and proper nutrition can help prevent various ailments, including obesity, cardiovascular condition, and other diseases. Let’s explore the importance of a good diet.

What happens if we don’t eat healthily?

Various ailments can get to our bodies if we don’t eat healthily. It can impact our daily health and well-being, contribute to stress and fatigue, and our ability to live an enjoyable and active life.

• Being overweight or obese

Overeating without thinking about its nutritious value may increase weight and obesity. All of which can be avoided through mindful, healthy eating.

• Heart diseases and stroke

Two leading causes are high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure.

• Increase blood pressure

Consuming a high amount of sodium can increase blood pressure and the risk for heart diseases and stroke. Hence, the Centres for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends an intake of less than 2,300 mg of sodium a day.

• Type-2 diabetes

People who tend to overeat or are overweight are at a higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Over time, the body may be unable to use the insulin it makes.

• Cancer

Eating unhealthy and being overweight also puts one at the risk of some cancers. As per the CDC, excess weight and obesity are associated with at least 13 types, including breast cancer in postmenopausal women, endometrial (uterine) cancer, and colorectal cancer. These cancers make up 40% of all cancers diagnosed.

• Other risks

Poor nutrition and unhealthy eating habits can lead to tooth decay, osteoporosis, depression, and eating disorders.

How can we stay healthy and avoid these diseases & associated comorbidities?

By choosing to stay healthy, we can take various preventive health measures and lead a life of wellness.

• Plan before eating

It’s always wise to plan our meals ahead of time. By doing so, we won’t run out of options when hungry.

• Read the labels

Make sure to read the labels on all the packed foods that we purchase. The nutrition details are always mentioned on the label.

• Drink water

Replace packed soda and coke beverages with water and fresh fruit juice.

• Light exercise/ walking daily

To stay healthy, we must always ensure inculcating daily exercise or at least 30 min of walking in our routine.

• Moderation is the key

We should always opt for smaller portions; eat two servings of fruits and five servings of vegetables daily.

• Limit snack foods & avoid binge eating