We are now a few weeks into the New Year and it might be helpful to take a look at the benefits of proper nutrition, to keep people on the right track with their resolutions. National Quitter’s Day is in the rearview mirror, and those who are still dedicated to their goals may need the added motivation.
The benefits of proper nutrition are considerable for both adults and children. According to the Centers for Disease Control, healthy eating:
- May help you live longer
- Keeps skin, teeth and eyes healthy
- Supports muscle
- Boosts immunity
- Strengthens bones
- Lowers risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers
- Supports healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding
- Helps with digestive function
- Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight
What Is Proper Nutrition?
We’re talking about the benefits of proper nutrition, so it’s helpful to define what that is. While it may look a little different for each person, generally proper nutrition means consuming more foods with a higher vitamin and nutrient content. This can be increasing fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts, seeds, and legumes.
You’ll also want to limit highly processed foods, and foods high in trans fats. These offer little nutritional value and can have some adverse effects as well.
Receiving The Right Energy
A diet that is deficient in energy-supplying foods can lead to serious health complications. Vitamin and mineral intake, along with some supplementation may be necessary to maintain balanced nutrition. These steps are necessary in order to provide your body with the necessary fuel for daily tasks in life.
Diet is necessary for processes like the proper maintenance of body tissue, electrical conduction of nerve activity, immune system regulation, and mechanical muscle effort. Proper nutrition governs how the body works both at a system and at a cellular level.
Immune System Regulation
The foods you eat can also dictate how well your body is able to fight off disease or infection. Increasing fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and legumes can all have immune-boosting effects. For example, foods with Vitamin C can help you to produce more B and T immune cells.
Achieving a Healthier Lifestyle through the Benefits of Proper Nutrition
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limiting unhealthy processed foods can help you to keep your weight in check, realize the benefits of proper nutrition, and maintain a healthier lifestyle. This is an important step in the prevention of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, autoimmune conditions, or certain types of cancers. So if you started the New Year by making dietary resolutions, this is a word of encouragement to keep going!
