Introduction
The World Health Organization defines health as a condition of “physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (World Health Organization, 2008). While the type of food consumed has an overall effect on the health and well-being of individuals, research has confirmed that consuming healthy food is highly beneficial and considerably reduces the potential threat of many diseases (New York Department of Health).
Eating healthy foods is more popularly known as ‘healthful eating’ and entails a balanced diet, which suffices all the daily nutritional requirements to maintain health and vigor. This essay aims to explore the many benefits of healthful eating and the positive effects of inclusion of some healthy foods and nutrients in the regular diet.
Main body
In order to maintain a healthy diet, it is essential to consume a variety of foods as no single food would contain all the vital nutrients needed by the body. In order to obtain the daily quota of vitamins, minerals, fiber, iron and calcium and the other nutrients, food intake should be varied and extensive (British nutrition Website). The intake of healthy foods would not only benefit the physical but also the psychological well being of individuals.
Long life, happiness, vitality, great skin, absence of disease are some of the many benefits of healthful eating, and can be obtained by the inclusion of foods which are low in fat but high in the nutrient contents. Such foods are include, vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, pulses, rice, wheat, chicken, fish and beans (New York Department of Health).
Several researches have proved that diets consisting of nutritional foods have a positive impact on the overall health and diets that are low in fat and cholesterol but high in fiber content are associated with decreased risks of several cancers, digestive disorders, diabetes, obesity, heart problems, blood pressure problems and many other terrible diseases (British nutrition Website). According to the food and drug administration of the United States (2008) diets rich in fiber content have been proved to reduce the risks of colon cancer and have also been associated with a marked reduction in breast cancer.
The intake of milk in the regular diet has been ling associated with good health. While most parents try to inculcate the habit of drinking milk in children, it is known to be beneficial across all ages. Milk and milk products are extremely important for the strengthening of bones and teeth as they provide the body with the necessary requirements of calcium (British nutrition Website). Milk is also essential for the prevention of the common bone disease, osteoporosis, which occurs due to lack of calcium.
Conclusion
The regular intake of fruits and vegetables in the daily diet is also highly essential for healthful living since they are rich sources of vitamins to the human body. Vitamin A commonly found in carrots has been known to maintain healthy skin and eyes while vitamin B complex is crucial to provide energy to the body and protect it from the commonly occurring diseases such as cough, influenza and cold. Vitamin B is more commonly found in vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumber and leafy vegetables.
Vitamin C found commonly in lemons provides the body with energy and helps to fight the infections besides aiding the healing process of wounds and bruises (British nutrition Website).
The intake of the right kind of foods has many benefits and can help in the prevention of many diseases which have become now become common. A properly planned, well balanced daily diet is crucial to healthful eating practices which go a long way in promoting and maintaining good health.
References
British nutrition. Web.
New York Department of Health. Web.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2008). Web.
World Health Organization, (2008). Web.