A nutritious, well-
balanced diet –
along with physical
activity and
refraining from
smoking – is the foundation of good
health. Healthy eating includes
consuming high-quality proteins,
carbohydrates, heart-healthy fats,
vitamins, minerals and water in the
foods you take in while minimizing
processed foods, saturated fats and
alcohol. Eating in this manner helps you
maintain your body’s everyday
functions, promotes optimal body
weight and can assist in disease
prevention.
Overall Health
The nutrients in the foods you eat
support the activities of day-to-day
living, protect your cells from
environmental damage and repair any
cellular damage that might occur.
Protein rebuilds injured tissue and
promotes a healthy immune system.
Both carbohydrates and fats fuel your
body, while vitamins and minerals
function throughout your body in
support of your body’s processes.
Vitamins A, C and E, for example, act as
antioxidants to protect your cells
against toxins, and B vitamins help you
extract energy from the foods you eat.
Calcium and phosphorus keep your
bones strong, while sodium and
potassium help to transmit nerve
signals. Without a healthy diet, you
might compromise any of these essential
functions.
Weight Control
In addition to the quality of the foods
you consume, the quantity matters when
considering good eating habits. Taking
in the same number of calories as you
burn ensures your weight remains
steady over time. Consuming more than
you burn, on the other hand, results in
weight gain as your body converts extra
calories to fat tissue. When you
accumulate fat tissue, you increase your
risk of developing one or more health
problems, including heart disease,
hypertension, respiratory issues,
diabetes and cancer. A healthy meal
plan without excess calories helps you
not only feel better but can prolong
your life.