Nutrition
Importance of a Healthy Diet
- Nutrition
It is through food that our body receives the energy and nutrients necessary for its functions, from the most vital mechanisms to the various daily activities. Therefore, the way we eat and nourish ourselves impacts our health not only in the short term but also in the medium and long term. Today, we are witnessing a large expansion of the digital era, where we can easily access a plethora of information, often lacking validity/scientific evidence. It is common to see various perspectives on a certain topic, which ends up confusing the reader. The recommendation is to adopt a more critical stance by filtering information, especially its source, so that we don't get lost in this ocean of misinformation that is the internet, without paying attention to authorship and the truthfulness of information. When it comes to food/nutrition, the source should ideally be a professional in the field, in this case, a nutritionist. What is known is that improper eating habits, such as a diet low in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, fiber, calcium, and high in sodium, processed meats, red meats, and sugary drinks, for example, make up the main risk factors for the development of chronic diseases (such as Diabetes, cancer, obesity, ...). Inadequate BMI (Body Mass Index, which relates weight and height), increased fasting plasma glucose, high blood pressure, and elevated total cholesterol are conditions that may be due to a lifestyle that does not promote health, increasing the likelihood of developing the aforementioned conditions.
Thus, adopting a balanced diet by ensuring adequate energy intake and nutrients, along with good hydration and regular physical activity, is essential for creating a health-promoting environment that prevents disease onset. Opting for a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, legumes, and low-fat dairy products (if there is no intolerance to these foods), with as much variety as possible within these options, will be the path to greater longevity with fewer visits to healthcare professionals. It’s pointless to consume the famous 'detox juices' and 'immunity shots' if the basic diet is entirely unregulated. Basics, while they may not seem 'fancy' or 'trendy,' work and will always work. Stay well, stay healthy.