What is food?
There is no question that good nutrition is the key to a long and healthy life. Smart dietary choices not only improve your overall health, but also reduce your risk of developing multiple diseases in the future. Good nutrition means giving your body the necessary nutrients it needs to fuel your body and brain. While it can be confusing given the wealth of information about what constitutes good nutrition, it’s a lot easier than you think.
When Harbin Clinic providers mention “healthy eating,” they are typically referring to a diet high in fiber, vegetables, fruits, protein, and healthy fats. The Mediterranean Diet is often cited as the best diet for healthy eating. Numerous studies show that it can lead to weight loss and has many health benefits. The diet is rich in fish, chicken, nuts, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, seafood, and olive oil. Some foods to avoid on this diet include fried, highly processed foods, added sugar, and red meat.
Importance of food for health
The foods we eat have various health benefits. These benefits are necessary to live a healthy life.
Our body has to do more than just survive. The food we eat contains various nutrients that help our body perform various functions. Dairy products, for example, contain calcium, which is necessary for healthy bone growth. Meat and legumes contain proteins that help build healthy muscles. Fruits and vegetables contain various vitamins for other healthy bodily functions. All of these things help us develop healthy bodies that can successfully perform life functions.
# What we eat matters
Many studies support the notion that what we eat affects our health. A diet high in nutrient-dense foods like vegetables and whole grains leads to better health outcomes, including a reduced risk of chronic disease and even certain cancers. In the 1990s, a study of about 20,000 women reduced fatty foods (like red meat) and added more plant-based foods. After 20 years, researchers found that women who followed these guidelines had a 21% lower risk of dying from breast cancer than women who didn’t change their diet.
We know that food affects your physical health, but even the simple preparation is important. Studies show that cooking and baking can increase a person’s confidence, focus, and happiness. The rationale is that cooking is a creative pursuit and like other creative pursuits it serves to relieve stress and improve a person’s mood.
One of the most important functions of food is the structure of the body. Foods that are high in protein are referred to as bodybuilding foods. Milk, meat, eggs and fish are rich in high-quality proteins. Legumes and nuts are good sources of protein, but the protein is not of high quality. These foods help sustain life and promote growth. They also provide energy.
Another function of food is to regulate various activities of the body. This includes the regulation of various activities such as: