You hear it all the time — a healthy diet is key to losing weight and strengthening your heart. Without question, that’s true. Those can’t be the only benefits of making good food choices, can they? There must be more positives.
Good news! There are tons of other advantages that come with saying no to fast food and heavy desserts. Eating healthy can boost your energy, lower your stress, and more. Take a look at these seven ways sticking to a healthy diet can improve your life.
1. It Can Bust Zits
What’s on your fork can show up on your face, and a napkin won’t help. We’re talking about unwanted, untimely zits. In most cases, acne treatment can help you get back to clearer skin. Sometimes, though, you need some added help. That’s where your diet comes in.
Putting healthier foods on your plate can lead to fewer pimples when you look in the mirror. Drinking plenty of water or green tea can reduce acne-causing bacteria and oil. Fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins are also good pustule fighters. Look for foods filled with vitamins A, C, D, and E. Be sure to avoid high-sugar, high-fat nibbles, and limit your alcohol intake.
2. It Can Help Tackle Tummy Troubles
No matter what you eat, your stomach will do its job. What you chomp on, though, can help it work better. Your gut biome — the bacteria balance in your gastrointestinal tract — is pretty delicate. If you eat high-sugar, high-fat, low-fiber foods, it can knock your biome out of whack. You might feel bloated, crampy, and generally uncomfortable.
Veggies, fruits, and whole grains keep your gut bacteria balanced. Fermented foods, such as yogurt and sauerkraut, also work well. The fiber in these foods has an important job, too. It might not sound like a big deal, but it keeps you regular, which can help you dodge bowel cancer or diverticulitis.
3. It Strengthens Your Immunity
Your immune system is your first line of defense against disease. Keeping it strong can protect you from the sniffles or a more serious sickness. When you eat the right foods, your natural armor grows even stronger.
High-fat, high-sugar foods lead to inflammation that interferes with how well your immune system works. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries and leafy greens control inflammation. Choose a balanced diet with vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins that also includes valuable vitamins and minerals. Look for foods with vitamins A, B2, B6, C, D, E, zinc, and selenium. They will boost your immunity, as well.
4. It Bolsters Your Brain
Maybe you’ve heard food can boost your brainpower. It’s true — if you eat the right things. A healthy mix of complex carbs, lean protein, healthy fats, fruits, and veggies goes far toward better mental health.
Diets with vitamins C, D, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids can improve your memory. They can also help you think more clearly and ward off dementia. For some people, eating these types of foods improves symptoms of depression and anxiety. Some foods can even help improve your mood. Pay attention to how you feel next time you drink coffee or eat dark chocolate. They both help your body release mood-boosting chemicals.
5. It Can Lower Your Stress Level
If you’re breathing, you’re carrying some amount of stress around with you. Chances are you’re even guilty of stress-eating every now and then. Flip the script by putting your food to work, reducing your stress level.
Some food choices increase your levels of serotonin, a chemical that helps soothe your brain. Healthy foods can also lower the cortisol and adrenaline — two stress hormones — in your body. Focus on complex carbs, green leafy veggies, and foods rich in vitamin C and magnesium. Try some black tea. All of them can be effective stress relievers.
6. It Builds Up Your Bones and Teeth
Breaking a bone hurts, and chipping a tooth can change your smile. Both can take time and money to fix. Or you could stick to a healthy diet to keep your bones and chompers strong for life.
You’ll need enough calcium and magnesium to build strong bones and teeth. Be sure you eat plenty of crunchy veggies and choose low-fat dairy options. Tofu and legumes can also be good sources. Getting enough of these two nutrients can also help you later in life. They both play a role in reducing your risk of osteoporosis as you get older.
7. It Can Help You Catch Better Zzzs
Midnight snacks can be tempting — especially if you’re up late studying or watching a movie. That doesn’t mean they’re a good idea. Eating when you ordinarily wouldn’t may cause problems that mess with your sleep. In these cases, a healthy diet is about good timing.
It might surprise you, but eating at random times can make it harder for you to calm down and relax. It can also lead to poor digestion. As we mentioned before, good gut health is important to ward off disease. Stick to your healthy food options and try not to eat if you’re going to bed within three hours. Your body will be calmer, and you’ll get a better night’s sleep.
You’ve known about the weight-control and heart benefits of adopting a healthy diet for a while. Choosing nutritious foods positively impacts your life in many other ways. If you stick with fruits, veggies, and lean proteins, you’ll see these benefits start to appear.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
