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Healthy FoodOverview
Every time you turn around, a new diet craze is in the news. Although most experts claim that diets don't work, there is one that can help both body and soul. That diet is the healthy diet, otherwise known as just eating right. The benefits of staying on a healthy diet are nearly too numerous to list, but a few of the benefits are the most impressive.
Cholesterol & Obesity
High cholesterol levels and trans fats have been linked to obesity, as well as a buildup of plaque in the arteries. If the arteries are blocked, blood cannot pass through from the heart to the rest of the body. Obesity means the heart has to work harder to pump blood. Both conditions weaken the heart and put you at risk for heart disease or heart attack. Fruits and nuts don't have cholesterol, so eating them won't spike your cholesterol levels and put you at risk for heart problems. In fact, fruits and nuts lower cholesterol, because of the high amount of fiber they contain. Since they are low-calorie foods, they reduce strain on the heart by helping an obese person lose weight.
Metabolism
When your metabolism is low, it is easier to gain weight and to develop heart problems. You do not burn as many calories as you eat. Your metabolism is affected by your exercise level, but also by your diet. Eating foods that are high in B vitamins, such as grains, helps your body access the energy stored in proteins, carbohydrates and fat.
Cell Protection
Your heart is made of cells, just as every other part of your body is made of cells. To have a healthy heart, the cells that comprise your heart must be protected and healthy. Antioxidants such as vitamin C are beneficial, because they help prevent cell damage. Antioxidants are found in many fruits and vegetables.
Increased Productivity
When you eat right, you boost your metabolism, and your energy level goes up. You can accomplish more in less time and have the energy to complete the tasks you start. Finishing more in less time can bring a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Self-Esteem From Appearance
When you don't eat right, your physical appearance often suffers. Even if you are not overweight, you might have hair that lacks shine, skin that is dry or has a poor tone or nails that are brittle and yellowed. You might be unable to fit into certain clothes. This can make you look years older than you are and cause you to feel bad about yourself. As your diet improves, your physical appearance typically improves, letting you reclaim some of your lost self-esteem.
The Mind
The nutrients and vitamins in healthy foods help your brain work faster and more efficiently, staying in chemical balance. This balance positively affects virtually every system of the body, and it helps you to be more cognitively alert. This balance and alertness lets you reach your physical and cognitive potentials, and this can help you feel fulfilled while keeping up with your activities.
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