Nutrition studies how the food we eat affects our bodies, emphasizing the essential nutrients humans need to support their health. It considers the physiological and biochemical processes involved in nourishment and evaluates how substances in food provide energy.
The nutrients identified as sources of energy for our bodies include carbohydrates, fats, fiber, minerals, proteins, vitamins, and water. Proper nutrition helps obtain the correct amount of nutrients from healthy foods – but also in the appropriate combinations. The science also looks at the diseases that can result from malnutrition and understands the role that nutrition plays in developing many chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and obesity.
Most people, unfortunately, do not eat well enough to maintain proper nutrition. Busy schedules and a need for convenience have led to fast food, processed food, and unhealthy take-out options for many – and not nearly enough fresh, whole food. Perhaps that is because we do not truly understand the importance of nutrition and how powerfully it affects our lives.
Here are some reasons to reevaluate your diet and commit yourself to better nutrition.
1. Boost your immune system: The immune system provides a natural defense against diseases. A robust immune system helps your body resist illness or recover more quickly if one becomes sick. Conversely, malnutrition or a poor diet makes people more prone to falling ill with chronic disease.
2. Keep your energy level up: The human body needs the energy derived from food and drink. The body’s primary nutrients for energy are carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Healthy carbohydrates are found in wholegrain bread and starchy vegetables like potatoes, that digest slowly and provide prolonged energy. Water is also essential to transport nutrients throughout our bodies. A lack of water can result in dehydration, which saps the body of energy. Lethargy can make people less likely to exercise and cook healthy meals.
3. Regulate your mood: Americans have been taught that carbohydrates are bad for them, and many prefer diets low in carbohydrates because of it. However, not all carbohydrates are bad in moderation. Some carbohydrates can benefit your health – and depriving your body of all carbohydrates can severely affect mood, increasing feelings of tension, stress, and anxiety. A diet rich in protein, good carbohydrates, and low in fat is healthy and supplies the iron and omega-3 fatty acids to preserve your mood.
4. Improve your well-being: Proper nutrition can also bolster physical and mental health. Maintaining a healthy diet results in more energy that allows a person to stay more active, which has been proven to improve mood and well-being. Not only that, but research has indicated that individuals who eat fruit and vegetables daily report far fewer mental health issues. It seems an apple a day really can keep the doctor away!
5. Extend your life expectancy: Although your body needs food to survive, the metabolism process does cause some stress on the body. Overeating can cause undue stress as our body works to digest excess amounts of food. However, the more significant reason that a healthy diet can extend our lives is that we do not get the nutrients we need without it. Although life expectancy is based upon many factors, diet plays a significant role.
These are only a few of the ways that nutrition can affect your daily life and overall health. Every person has a unique body, and their system may react to foods differently. Consider seeing a certified nutritionist if you have tried “eating healthy” and are still plagued with mood swings, brain fog, or fatigue. Their expert knowledge can help you assess which foods you require to achieve your best health – and which foods to avoid to prevent illness.
The team at Longevity Wellness Clinic are experts in nutrition and traditional Chinese medicine. Call today for a consultation.