Selection of food is very important for a good health, along with prevention towards diseases and for weight management. Adopting healthy eating habits is must for good health and for mental fitness
A healthy diet includes a lot of natural foods. A sizeable portion of a healthy diet should consist of fruits and vegetables, especially ones that are red, orange, or dark green. Whole grains, such as whole wheat and brown rice, should also play a part in your diet. For adults, dairy products should be non-fat or low-fat. Protein can consist of lean meat and poultry, seafood, eggs, beans, legumes, and soy products such as tofu, as well as unsalted seeds and nuts.
Food and nutrition are the way that we get fuel, providing energy for our bodies. We need to replace nutrients in our bodies with a new supply every day. Water is an important component of nutrition. Fats, proteins, and carbohydrates are all required. Maintaining key vitamins and minerals are also important to maintaining good health. For pregnant women and adults over 50, vitamins such as vitamin D and minerals such as calcium and iron are important to consider when choosing foods to eat, as well as possible dietary supplements.
The effective management of food intake and nutrition are both key to good health. Understanding good nutrition and paying attention to what you eat can help you maintain or improve your health.
Good nutrition also involves avoiding certain kinds of foods. Sodium is used heavily in processed foods and is dangerous for people with high blood pressure. The survey studies states that adults to consume less than 300 milligrams (mg) per day of cholesterol (found in meat and full-fat dairy products among others). Fried food, solid fats, and trans fats found in margarine and processed foods can be harmful to heart health. Refined grains (white flour, white rice) and refined sugar (table sugar, high fructose corn syrup) are also bad for long-term health, especially in people with diabetes. Alcohol can be dangerous to health in amounts more than one serving per day for a woman and two per day for a man.
Why it’s important
Most people know good nutrition and physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight. But the benefits of good nutrition go beyond weight. Good nutrition can help:
Reduce the risk of some diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, some cancers, and osteoporosis
Reduce high blood pressure
Lower high cholesterol
Improve your well-being
Improve your ability to fight off illness
Improve your ability to recover from illness or injury
Increase your energy level
What is good nutrition?
Good nutrition means your body gets all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs to work its best. Plan your meals and snacks to include nutrient-dense foods that are also low in calories.
How to fix 5 common eating problems
As you age, you may lose interest in eating and cooking. Small changes can help you overcome some of the challenges to eating well.
1. Food no longer tastes good.
Try new recipes or adding different herbs and spices. Some medicines can affect your appetite or sense of taste – talk to your doctor.
2. Chewing difficulty.
Try softer foods like cooked vegetables, beans, eggs, applesauce, and canned fruit. Talk to your doctor or dentist if there is a problem with your teeth or gums.
3. Poor digestion.
Talk to your doctor or registered dietician to figure out which foods to avoid while still maintaining a balanced diet.
4. Eating alone.
Try dining out with family, friends, or neighbors. See if your local senior center hosts group meals.
5. Difficulty shopping or cooking.
Check with your local senior center for programs that can help you with shopping or preparing meals.