Whether you are at your ideal weight or completed a detox program with us, or being clean for some time, or busy with a lifestyle change correct nutrition can help to reduce the risk of a myriad of health-related problems, the most frightening of which are surely heart disease and cancer. Proper nutrition, however, entails eating many different foods, monitoring your consumption of some food and beverage items, and counting calories. Good diets offer balanced
nutrition that reduces cholesterol, blood pressure, and helps with weight control.
To function properly, your body must have the correct combination of nutrients:
Carbohydrates. They are the primary source of ammunition in your diet. The body
uses carbohydrates to build glucose which can be used immediately or stored in
your body for later. Too much glucose, however, is stored as fat. There are two types
of carbohydrates – simple and complex. Sugars are simple carbohydrates. Starches
and fibers are complex carbohydrates.
Proteins. Proteins help your body build and maintain muscles and other tissues.
They also function in the creation of hormones. Like carbohydrates, excess protein
is stored as fat. Animal and vegetable are the two major types of proteins. Too much animal
protein can cause high cholesterol, as it is high in saturated fat.
Fat. Strange as it may seem; fat is another nutrient your body requires. It comes in
both saturated and unsaturated forms. Saturated fat puts you at risk of health
problems. Unsaturated fat is healthy, but if it goes through any type of refinement
process, it can become saturated fat.
Vitamins. These are also required nutrients. Different vitamins perform different
tasks within the body. They can work with the metabolism to help with energy
levels for any task you can think of that you need your body to perform. It has also
been noted that certain vitamins can prevent disease.
For example, vitamins A, C, and E, also called antioxidants, can assist with the
prevention of coronary artery disease by keeping build up from occurring on artery
walls. Vitamin B-1 is needed for digestion and proper nervous system function.
Vitamin B-2 is needed for normal cell growth. Vitamin B-3 helps to detoxify your
body. Folic acid assists with production of red blood cells. Vitamin D assists with the
absorption of calcium. Vitamin K helps your blood clot.
Minerals and trace elements. These are another nutrient your body requires. Both
are used in many different body processes. Minerals like chlorine help make your
digestive juices. Phosphorus helps build strong bones. Both can be found in the
foods we consume, but with a trace element, your body just needs a tiny amount.
Salt is one final nutrient your body requires. You should not consume more than
2400 milligrams per day, though, as it might raise your blood pressure.
You should follow several guidelines to create a well balanced, nutritional diet.
First, try to consume two and one half cups of vegetables and two cups of fruit
each day. When making your selections for each day, be sure to choose a good
variety. A good rough guide is to eat as many different colors as possible, this will
help you to select from all five vegetable subgroups at least four times per week.
You should eat at least three ounces of whole grain products each day. At least half
of your grain intake should be whole grain based. Milk should also be part of a
healthy diet. Consume at least forty-eight ounces of low fat milk or milk products
on a daily basis. Your total fat intake should only be between ten and thirty percent
of your calories. Most of the fats you consume should be in the form of unsaturated
fats, as saturated fats can do much to damage your health. Meat, poultry, dry
beans, and milk or milk products should all be lean, low-fat, or fat-free. Less than
ten percent of your calories should come from saturated fats, and you should
always try to avoid trans-fatty acid.
Fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains should be a regular part of your diet
as should potassium rich foods. Alcoholic beverages should only be consumed in
moderation.
Excellent nutrition is the basis of a healthy diet.
