Whether you’re hoping to lose weight or simply maintain your health as you age, eating clean makes up a key component of a healthful lifestyle. Loading up your diet with minimally processed, whole foods — such as whole grains, veggies, fruits, nuts, legumes, fatty fish and lean meats — not only provides nutrients to support healthy cell function but also helps fight chronic disease. Cutting unhealthy foods out of your diet offers benefits because compounds found in unhealthy, processed foods can increase your disease risk.
Feel More Energetic
Improve Cardiovascular Health
Support Mental Health
A healthful diet not only benefits your physical well-being, but it supports your mental health. Some of the nutrients from your diet — such as vitamin B-6, help make dopamine, a chemical involved in feelings of pleasure. Omega-3 fatty acids also support good mental health, while a deficiency can cause moodiness and depression. Limiting caffeine can also improve mental health — the Norris Cotton Cancer Center notes that it can increase anxiety — and not skipping meals can avoid stress headaches or stomachaches.