Chapter 2: Volume 2
The Benefits
1) Improve Immune System
Good nutrition is essential to a strong immune system. Eating healthy can help ward off many illness such as the flu and other health problems including arthritis, cancers, allergies and abnormal cell development. Right precaution should be taken to prevent all these sickness. With a strong immune system, you will feel constantly boosted with energy and strength to carry out any daily activities.
2) Enhance Mood
Healthy eating can have a positive impact on your life by leading to a more sustained elevated mood. It can reduce stress too. Some of the mood-busting food to avoid are simple sugars that are in junk food such as soda and candy, refined carbohydrates as well as jams and syrups. These can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels and have great impact on our mood and energy.
On the other hand, there are few nutrients that have been identified by researchers that can enhance our mood and combat depression: folate, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, iron, chromium, zinc, calcium, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Food rich in vitamins, fatty acids and minerals are not only super healthy, but can also increase happiness, quell anxiety and may even help alleviate depression.
3) Boost Mental Health
Nutrition is a key contributor to excellent mental health. Many researchers have evidence indicating that diet and nutrition play an important part in strengthening our immune system.
Food plays a very important contributing role in the management and development of our mental health. Not just that, it also prevent mental health problems such as depression, schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Alzheimer’s disease.
Here are five food that keep the mind working at its best: Lean protein, leafy greens, fatty fish, whole grain, and yogurt with active cultures.
4) Increase Energy Level
The type and the amount of food we eat play a significant role in our daily energy levels. Eating the right nutritive food can also boost our energy levels, making us prepared to face each day.
To stay alert all day, we have to make smart choices to choose the right food. Some of the food include nuts, pumpkin seeds, guarana, yoghurt, sweet potatoes, soybeans, spinach, eggs, water and much more.
When you have an energized body and clear mind, it also increases your brainpower. Eating healthy food can ensure you to achieve a balanced nutrition that can help to regulate your brain activity to fuel your mental power that will get you through your busiest days.
5) Live longer
There are some things in life that we can’t control like how long we live and how long we get to enjoy it. But according to the data collected from people in their 90s and beyond as well as nutrition science research show that when, what and how we consume food have a great impact and influence on how long we live.
Japan has the oldest life expectancy in the world. The people of Okinawa enjoy exceptionally long lives. Statistic shows that the worldwide average life expectancy is 67 compared to 78 in the United States and more than 81 years old in the Pacific Islanders.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, high in nutrients and low in calories, is your best bet for a long life. It is vital for health and maintenance of your body. Some of the food include broccoli, grapes, salad, avocado, olive oil, berries, beans, grains and seeds, less red meat, fish, bananas and organic food.
Odd enough… Even though the benefits are really obvious to many, they still choose to be ignorant or oblivious to what enters their mouth – Even if they know that it’s clearly POISON! It’s insane!
They have this perception that ignorant is bliss. In fact, ignorant is the main reason why so many fall sick and get cancer today!
Have you heard of the saying “ROME is not built in a day”?
This saying applies to your own physical health. It takes time and constant dedication to a healthy lifestyle to reap the benefits, not overnight!
Well… That’s the HARD part. Many gave in to instant gratification like chocolates because they can feel good instantly, compared to eating fruits and vegetables (Even though they know they can get plenty of vitamins and minerals from a little tweak in their food choices).
They came up with so many excuses. Some really common ones are:
– I can’t afford to live a healthy lifestyle! Those organic food are expensive!
– Healthy diet is NOT for me. I don’t see any impact on my health! Look, I’m not sick at all!
– Why give up all these sweets? You only live once anyway! YOLO!
Truth is, it’s not necessary to give up on your favourite food and ‘surrender’ to tasteless health food. You simply have to practice moderation and change your beliefs. Who told you that healthy food are tasteless? You simply haven’t found the right recipe!
Thus, you simply have to be aware of your food choices and constantly ask yourself “Will this fuel my body, or screw up my health?” Then go ahead and plunge into the world of healthy food, indulge yourself with wholesome ideas that best suit your health goals!
We should make healthy choices to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy is not something difficult if you put your heart to it. Making mindful choices when eating is the key to it.
