If you’re not sure what to eat to stay healthy, here are a few tips: Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, eat a balanced diet, and stay away from processed junk foods. Processed foods are mostly made from crops and are high in calories and fillers, without much nutritional value. Additionally, it’s difficult to determine whether a particular food is healthy, since the labels often contain misleading information. According to a recent Nielsen report, 60% of consumers do not understand the nutritional information on food labels, and many of them misinterpret serving sizes.
Fruits and vegetables
A healthy diet is linked to optimal physical and mental health. Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables plays a key role in this relationship. Vegetables and fruits are excellent sources of a variety of micronutrients, including fibre, vitamin C, folate, and potassium. These foods also aid in the proper digestion of fat and help control cholesterol levels and blood pressure. A diet rich in these foods can improve your health in many ways, including reducing your risk of developing heart disease and cancer.
Whole grains
A recent study has shown that eating whole grain products reduces the risk of colon cancer. The researchers compared the microbiota of participants who consumed a whole grain diet to those on a refined grain diet for eight weeks. Although the findings were consistent, the low risk ratio of the studies cast doubt on the conclusions. Many epidemiological studies were also inconclusive. The results of the current study, however, suggest that whole grain products lower cancer risk.
Lean protein
You may have heard the term “lean protein” before. Lean protein is defined as any form of protein that contains less than ten grams of fat per 3.5 ounces. Some examples of lean proteins include turkey, chicken, and seafood. But you can also find lean protein in other sources such as beans and legumes, quinoa, and nuts and seeds. The key is to choose lean proteins over fatty or greasy versions.
Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are natural chemicals found in plants, including leafy green vegetables, fresh fruit and whole grains. Consuming plant-based foods is an excellent way to reap the many benefits of phytonutrients. The key to eating plants in a way that helps your body absorb these beneficial chemicals is to include a variety of different colors in your diet. Try to avoid peeling fruits or vegetables, as the skin can remove the concentrated sources of phytonutrients.
Fiber
There are many reasons why fiber is good for your health, including regular bowel movements and weight control. But, did you know that fiber is also good for your heart? Researchers recently looked at 37 years of heart disease studies and found that people who ate a high-fiber diet had a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Fiber may also help to regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. And because fiber is so filling, it may also help with weight loss.
Flavorings
You might be wondering if flavorings are healthy. There is a common misconception that natural flavors are healthier than artificial ones. In fact, researchers from the University of Minnesota found no difference between natural and artificial flavors. While natural flavorings contain fewer calories than artificial ones, you should still watch your sugar and unhealthy fat intake. If you find that artificial flavorings taste better than natural ones, you may want to consider switching to a healthier variety.
Watermelon
While the high amount of fructose in watermelon is considered beneficial to health, the fruit is not without its risks. It has been linked to increased bloating and gastrointestinal problems. It also contains natural sugars, which may affect the level of blood sugar. However, many people do not experience any side effects after consuming watermelon. Read on for some useful information about this sweet treat. Here are three benefits to consider before you eat watermelon.
Nuts
As you might know, nuts are composed of an edible kernel enclosed in a hard nutshell. This hard shell protects many varieties of dry seeds. Although the nutshell does not open completely, the term “nut” means a wide variety of seeds. Many nuts are high in fat and cholesterol, but there are also other benefits. Here are 5 reasons to eat more nuts! These healthy treats can help you lose weight!