Eating healthy is not only good for your body but also for your mind, whether you’re cooking yourself or using a fitness meal delivery service. It can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer, support your mental health, and maybe even increase your lifespan. Here are five science-backed benefits of eating healthy:
1. Reduces the Risk of Chronic Diseases
Eating a healthy diet can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Chronic diseases are long-term health conditions that often develop over time and can be caused by poor lifestyle choices. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic diseases are responsible for more than 70% of deaths worldwide.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. These foods are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can protect your body from damage caused by free radicals.
Research has shown that people who follow a healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, and take supplemental vitamins, such as the best bariatric vitamins, have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases and can prevent nutrient deficiencies A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that people who followed a Mediterranean diet had a lower risk of heart disease compared to those who followed a typical Western diet.
2. Boosts Mental Health
Eating a healthy diet can also boost your mental health. The food you eat can affect your mood, energy levels, and cognitive function. A diet high in sugar and processed foods can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, leading to a crash in energy and mood swings.
On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can provide your brain with the nutrients it needs to function properly. Research has shown that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.
A study published in the journal Nutrients found that people who followed a Mediterranean diet had a lower risk of depression and anxiety compared to those who followed a typical Western diet. The study also found that people who followed a Mediterranean diet had better cognitive function, including memory and attention.
3. Helps With Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health. Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Eating a healthy diet can help with weight management by reducing the number of calories you consume and increasing the number of calories you burn.
A healthy diet is high in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied. Fiber also slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels. People who follow a high-fiber diet may have lower body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference compared to those who follow a low-fiber diet.
Eating a healthy diet can also help you maintain muscle mass, which is important for overall health. Muscle mass can help you burn more calories at rest, which may lead to weight loss.
4. Improves Sleep Quality
Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Poor sleep quality has been linked to a wide range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Eating a healthy diet can improve sleep quality by providing your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.
A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can increase the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and sleep. Research has shown that people who follow a healthy diet have better sleep quality and fewer sleep disturbances compared to those who follow a typical Western diet.
A study published in the journal Nutrients found that people who followed a Mediterranean diet had better sleep quality compared to those who followed a typical Western diet. The study also found that people who followed a Mediterranean diet had higher levels of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.
5. Increases lifespan
Eating healthy can increase your lifespan by reducing the risk of chronic diseases, which are the leading causes of death worldwide. A healthy diet can also improve your overall health, including your cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and immune system.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a healthy lifestyle, which includes a healthy diet, may correlate to an increased lifespan. Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly and reduce the risk of premature death.
Eat Healthier Today
Meal prep is an excellent way to ensure that you’re eating healthy, nourishing meals throughout the week, even on the busiest nights. By choosing simple, nutritious recipes, cooking in bulk, and prepping ingredients ahead of time, you can save time, reduce stress, and improve your overall health and well-being.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to keep your meals interesting and enjoyable. With a little planning and preparation or some help from a service like Nutre Meal Plans & Delivery, you can achieve your health and wellness goals without sacrificing convenience or flavor.