What Are the Benefits of Proper Diet?
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Eat your vegetables.
vegetable image by sasha from Fotolia.com
Sometimes eating healthfully seems like a lot of work for little reward. Some days you just don't want to get your five servings of fruits and vegetables or choose whole grains over refined grains. However, you should always make healthy eating a priority, because a proper diet provides a number of benefits for your body and mind.
Healthy Weight
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People who eat a balanced diet full of fresh, whole foods tend to maintain their weight much more easily than those who lack essential nutrients or who eat copious quantities of junk food. For the best weight control, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and to chose foods rich in fiber over those with little fiber. Fiber helps you stay full longer, which helps you eat moderate portions.
Better Digestion
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People who eat lots of fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes tend to have fewer digestive problems and more regular bowel movements. Other diet factors can influence digestion, including consumption of coffee, tea, alcohol and soda, and stress. Alcohol and soda should be treats rather than everyday drinks. Many doctors suggest that a glass of wine a day can help you reduce stress, but if you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux you may want to cut out wine. Coffee and tea can be healthy parts of a diet, but limit your intake if you currently deal with digestive problems. Try not to consume more than 300 mg of caffeine each day for best results. A cup of coffee contains about 100 mg of caffeine; tea contains about 50 mg, and soda has about 30.
Healthy Heart
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A diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol helps keep your heart running smoothly. Too much dietary cholesterol can cause an increase in your body's "bad cholesterol," which clogs arteries, putting your circulatory system at risk for further problems. For best heart health, consume very small quantities of animal proteins and always choose low-fat animal products over those high in fat. You may wish to chose dairy alternatives over dairy, as dairy products tend to contain high amounts of cholesterol, while alternatives based on soy, rice or coconut contain little or no cholesterol. Animal fats are also high in saturated fat.
Reduce Diabetes Risk
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Those who are overweight or eat a diet rich in empty calories and animal fat are at a higher risk for diabetes than those who are slim and eat a mostly plant-based diet. High blood pressure and cholesterol increase your risk of diabetes as well. To reduce your risk and lose extra weight, eat a low-fat diet. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, especially leafy, green vegetables, and exercise several times each week.
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