Reasons for Eating Healthy

Why Eat Healthy? →
Eating healthy is a must if you want to live a long and comfortable life. Healthy eating can…
1) Provides nutrients that are essential for proper body growth
2) Gives you energy to sustain yourself and function during the course of the day
3) Enhance performance (for athletes)
4) Reduces risk of diseases
5) Prevents obesity
6) Helps you live longer

Prevents Obesity: A combination of low mineral/nutrient intake and high fat/salt intake is not a nutritious diet and can lead to obesity over time. Obesity is defined as being "grossly fat or overweight" this diet that I just gave an example of causes you to gain weight and have your body not function properly (obesity). According to the U.S. Surgeon General (see References below), 300,000 lives a year could be saved if Americans maintained healthy weights.

Prevents Diseases: Food is not actual medication and cannot cure diseases but it definitely can help prevent diseases and support good health if you maintain long-term dietary healthy eating habits. Compounds are found in foods themselves that can be shown to fight disease in test-tube studies, and are associated with reduced health risks in people.
- Heart Disease: Coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease are serious chronic conditions that are hereditary or brought on by poor diet and exercise. These diseases are largely preventable by sticking to eating habits that consist of foods high in fiber and low in saturated fat like grains, dark green leafy vegetable provide the best nutrition for heart health.
- Diabetes: Diabetes is mainly caused by obesity as 8 out of 10 diabetics are obese. This is because of a diet deficient in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6 and magnesium which is detrimental to your blood glucose stability. If you eat healthy and maintain your weight effectively you'll be less
likely to contract type II diabetes.
Gives You Energy/Makes You Feel Better: When your eating habits let you get enough vitamins and minerals with less fats your body will have increased energy to perform and carry out simple and strenuous tasks. If your energy levels are higher it contributes to lower levels of stress which can be associated with obesity. More exercise and less stress let you sleep better, through reduced back and joint pain, sleep apnea and digestive upset. When you eat healthy foods, you'll enjoy a better quality of life now and as you age. Some foods contain phenylethylamine which is a food substance related to endorphins (the body's natural opiate-like chemicals that produce a positive mood state, decreased pain sensitivity, and reduced stress.) One food that contains heavy amounts of phenylethylamine is chocalate which is good for the body in moderation. Here are the diet-mood connection to the body…


Prevent Broken Bones: Bone health is directly related to controlling weight and getting the best nutrition. If you are obese, your bones absorb more stress and shock. If you don't get enough calcium, magnesium and potassium, your bone cells cannot grow. You might be more susceptible to bone fractures, back pain and osteoporosis. It is important to eat healthy, low-fat vegetables, fruit and dairy or soy products every day to get the best nutrition for your bones.


Makes You Look Better:
Eating a balanced, vitamin-rich diet helps you maintain a healthy weight by allowing your body to burn fat and build and tone muscles. This improves the way you look and feel. Taking pride in your appearance contributes to a positive sense of self, and being a healthy weight offers you more options in choosing clothing styles.

For more information on reasons to eat healthy/nutrition click on this link! http://preventdisease.com/fitness/nutrition/articles/healthyeating.html


Sources: http://www.livestrong.com/article/46319-important-eat/
http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/grains_why.html
http://www.tshc.fsu.edu/he/nutrition/nutrition_specialneeds/sports_tips.htm
http://madelynfernstrom.ivillage.com/2007/05/can_healthy_eating_prevent_dis.html?par=today,wb
http://www.faqs.org/nutrition/Ome-Pop/Popular-Culture-Food-and.html