Nutrition does not have to be an overwhelming subject. You can make dietary changes gradually and before you know it, your entire diet will be better and your health will improve. The following nutritional advice are the perfect first steps to a healthier diet and a healthier you.
Calcium is important to a variety of functions within your body. A diet high in calcium helps you build and maintain strong, healthy bones and teeth. Building of new bone continues until about the age of 30. If your calcium intake is inadequate, your body will rob the calcium from your bones. This creates weak, brittle bones that break easily. Calcium also assists in muscles movement, blood clotting, maintaining a regular heartbeat.
Although protein is a vital part of building muscle and healthy body cells, too much of it can adversely affect your health. Too much protein creates an excessive amount of stress on the kidneys and helps in the formation of kidney stones. The acids created when your body metabolizes protein requires calcium. Too much protein and not enough calcium can lead to a calcium deficit. Animal proteins are high in fat, which can lead to high cholesterol and heart disease.
Fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals without saturated fat and cholesterol. Plant-based foods are high in antioxidants that fight against the affects of free radicals. Antioxidants are believed to reduce the risk of developing cancer, help fight cancer that has been diagnosed and helps prevent the recurrence of cancer. The absence of saturated fat also helps control weight and therefore, diabetes. Obesity and unhealthy diets are the major cause of diabetes.
Iron makes up the portion of your hemoglobin responsible for transporting oxygen to every cell in your body. Dietary iron is much better than supplements, which are not well tolerated by many individuals. Healthy sources of dietary iron include blueberries, beans, spinach, olives and certain grains. Vitamin C is vital to the absorption of iron so eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue, anemia and decreased mental abilities. Adequate iron intake is especially important for women who are menstruating and pregnant women. A fetus will rob its mother’s body of iron to fulfill its more vital needs. Although a number of animal products are high in iron, it is healthier to get your iron and other nutrients from non-animal sources.
Consuming caffeine and alcohol can create serious negative effects on your health. Caffeine inhibits the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients including iron, calcium, Vitamin D and the B vitamins. You body views alcohol as a toxic chemical and uses every resource to get it out of the system. Alcohol negatively affects blood glucose levels and creates a deficiency of folate, calcium and Vitamins B12 and A. Excessive alcohol consumption weakens heart muscles.
You can be healthier by choosing your food carefully. Good nutrition does not need to be difficult. Make the simple changes suggested in this article to improve your nutrition and overall health.