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Grace Cheng (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

A healthy diet and lifestyle has many benefits. The consumption of foods that are rich in nutrients contributes to the smooth functioning of the body. The real wealth you should invest in is your health. Even if your lifestyle is becoming busier and your eating habits are deteriorating, it is never too late to begin eating healthy to reverse the negative effects of an unhealthy lifestyle.

Nowadays, people are inclined to consume junk food. By consuming unhealthy and unhygienic foods, people become sick and suffer from diseases. It is important to be organized and take the time to shop for and prepare food, rather than relying on convenience foods. Having a healthy meal is not easy when you are in a hurry, at work, caring for kids, or feeling tired and stressed, but keeping a healthy, nutritious, and balanced diet is imperative to avoid any health-related complications. Having a healthy diet has several advantages. It promotes healthy weight maintenance, promotes a positive mood and prevents diseases. A healthy diet must include a variety of foods that are high in nutrients, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.  

Healthy eating is often equated with dieting. This is not true. Eating well is not just about losing weight, but also about feeling better on a physical and psychological level. Healthy eating requires you to be mindful of not only what you eat and drink, but also how you prepare it. Individuals should avoid fried or processed foods, as well as foods high in salt and sugar.

Maintaining a healthy diet has far more benefits than the effort it requires. The benefits of a healthy diet can be felt both physically and mentally, as well as on a long-term basis. A healthy diet has the following benefits:

1. Weight Control

To maintain good health, it is essential to maintain a healthy body weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is possible by eating a range of wholesome foods. By eating fewer fatty and sugary snacks and processed foods and replacing them with nutrient-dense foods, you will feel fuller and eat less as a result.

1. Heart Health

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death. It is therefore important that everyone consumes healthy foods and engages in physical activity. People must maintain a healthy diet to lower their blood pressure levels.

1. Improved Gut Health

Healthy guts and colons contain adequate amounts of naturally occurring bacteria, which help with digestion, metabolism and overall health. Poor health is caused by an unhealthy diet that is high in sugar and low in fiber, which alters the gut microbiome. This results in increased inflammation and poor health.

1. Increased Energy

 

You can maximize your day’s productivity by keeping your body well-fueled with healthy food. Healthy carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes are slow to digest, which helps keep your blood sugar and insulin levels steady and your energy levels constant.

1. Disease Fighting

By eating healthy and nutritious foods, your immune system will remain strong, and therefore you will be less susceptible to common illnesses. A healthy diet is believed to reduce the risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

1. Improved mood and mental health

Having a balanced diet leaves the body feeling light and energetic. In addition, your mood will improve. A person’s mental health is very important to their overall well-being.

1. Better Sleep

When you eat at the right time and eat optimal foods, your body will feel refreshed during waking hours. As a result, you will be more productive.

1. Reduced Cravings

Because healthier foods contain no artificial ingredients that can enhance food cravings, maintaining a healthy diet will satisfy the belly and prevent food cravings between meals.  

1. Improved Appearance

Having a balanced diet has a positive effect on the digestive system and makes it work more efficiently. As a result, blood circulates better, and you will improve your physical appearance.

1. Reduced Inflammation

Foods rich in fiber and water reduce inflammation. This prevents chronic or degenerative diseases. As well, fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. It has been shown that antioxidants assist in reducing oxidative stress in the body, thereby reducing inflammation.   

1. Delayed Aging

The quality of your diet directly impacts the speed at which you age. Foods such as fresh greens, fruits, lean proteins, fatty fish, whole grains, tea, herbs and spices are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids that aid the body in flushing out harmful free radicals. As a result, DNA is maintained and aging is slowed down.

Healthy eating does not have to be costly or challenging. Make small changes to your lifestyle, and you can experience all of these benefits.

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Grace has an accounting and finance background. She enjoys reading, writing, listening to music, watching movies and playing sports.