Pursuing a long and happy life can start right in your kitchen. The food you eat can impact the quality of your life quite a bit. If you opt for healthier food, you will look and feel better, and you can also improve your health in the longer run. Some of the oldest people in the world know the secret of a long and healthy life is in the diet, among other things. Keep reading to learn how your choice of food impacts your life and longevity.
Foods with healthy fats are good for the heart
The Mediterranean diet is a great, healthy example of a food choice that is good for the heart. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids are scientifically proven to be good for your blood vessels. In opposite to “bad” fats with high cholesterol that can clog your arteries, omega-3 fats can help clean your vessels. Include fish, seafood, nuts, avocados, and seeds in your diet.
It keeps your weight under control
A healthy diet that consists of whole grains, lean meats, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables can help you stay within the healthy weight range and prevent diseases related to obesity. The risks of getting diabetes, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular problems can be lowered with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Foods that are rich in nutrients and low in calories are the best allies on your path to a healthy weight and physical well-being. The best example of this is broccoli. A cup of fresh broccoli has around 35 calories and a lot of fiber, vitamins including C, K, minerals, and even 2.4 grams of protein.
Vitamins & minerals perform a magnitude of functions in your body, from healing wounds to converting food into energy. They keep us healthy and our bodies functioning, hence why they are considered essential nutrients.
Antioxidant-rich foods help release toxins
Foods that have antioxidant powers help us release free radicals and other byproducts of our metabolism and system. Berries, dried fruits, green leafy veggies, and apples are rich in antioxidants and therefore magnificent for your health. A great option is to make green smoothies with a mix of veggies and fruits for easier and faster absorption. They boost your metabolism and help get rid of built-up toxins.
Antioxidants are said to be able to slow down the aging process and make you feel more energized.
Memory loss and brain health
According to research, the lack of B12 and other vitamins can lead to trouble with memory in older age. To prevent this you should eat foods with more vitamin B12 such as meat, fish, and cereals. Good healthy foods also boost mood and impact mental health.
One of the keys to longevity is also having a stable and calm approach to life, practicing mindfulness, and controlling levels of stress.
No healthy diet can help if you are constantly over-stressed. In addition to diet and exercise, you should find something that will work well for your mental health. Reading, music, meditation, whatever helps you release the tension.
Don’t be afraid of supplements
Regardless of the balanced and healthy diet, sometimes you can not physically ingest enough fruits and vegetables to get the daily doses of needed nutrients. Nutritionists and food experts such as Adam Kemp are not against supplementation, quite contrary. Choose legitimate and well-researched supplements and there will not be any problems.
Consult your health provider and find supplements that work for your age, health status, and life habits.
Keep in mind that supplements cannot compensate for a balanced diet, they are just an addition to an already healthy lifestyle.
Who is the author?
Nina Petrov is a lifestyle copywriter. She starts the day scrolling through the latest trends while sipping a cup of coffee with milk and sugar. Her white little bunny tends to reply to your emails when she is on vacation.