Real benefits to Health

There are several components involved in living a healthy lifestyle; however, some of the most important factors include diet, exercise and good lifestyle choices.

Diet

Diet is extremely important as it provides the fuel and nourishment needed to carry out daily bodily functions. Having a good diet can help to reduce the possibility of suffering from illness as well as increasing energy levels and improving the physical appearance of an individual. The key to healthy eating is to enjoy a diet which incorporates foods from all the major food groups; cutting out a food group can be detrimental to health and should be avoided.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates should form the basis of a healthy diet; these foods are high in energy which enables the body to keep going. Complex carbohydrates such as rice, cereals, pasta and bread should make up roughly a third of your daily calorie intake; these foods release energy slowly which keeps the body ticking over for long periods of time. Simple carbohydrates, which include sugary foods such as biscuits and cakes, are good for providing a quick sugar fix but should be eaten in moderation; excess sugar can lead to weight gain, poor oral health and unhealthy sugar content in the blood (this may lead to heart palpitations, mood swings and can eventually contribute to diabetes).

Proteins

Proteins are essential for growth, muscle development and cell repair and should form between 10 and 15% of the body’s daily food intake. Foods such as fish, meat and eggs are rich in protein. Vegetarians may suffer from a lack of protein in their diet; if this is the case, there are many alternatives to meat; these include pulses such as beans and lentils and products derived from soya.

Fats

Fats are an essential part of the human diet but should be monitored closely. You should try to avoid saturated and trans-fats, which may be common in processed food and fast food. Healthier fats, known as unsaturated fats, can be found in avocadoes and oily fish. Fat consumption should not exceed 95 grams per day for males and 70 grams per day for females.

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are an extremely important component of a healthy diet. These foods include a vast array of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, which help to boost the body’s immune system and reduce the risk of illness and fatigue. Many of the minerals and vitamins found naturally in fruit and vegetables help to stave off health conditions such as colds, cancer and heart disease. It is advisable to eat a wide range of fruit and vegetables as this will ensure you take in a wide range of minerals and vitamins. You should try to eat at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables each day; this tally may include sauces, smoothies, juices and soups.

Hydration

In addition to eating healthily, it is essential to keep the body hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration can cause headaches, disturbed sleep and a lack of concentration. It is recommended that adults drink at least 2 litres of water each day; water is essential for a healthy body and has several important functions in the body including transportation, hydration and cooling. It is particularly important to drink lots of fluids if you have an infection or are suffering from an illness such as a cold; this will help to flush out your system and combat bacterial infection.

Exercise

Advantages of Exercise

Exercise is a means of keeping the body fit and healthy and can have serious health benefits. Doing regular exercise keeps the joints loose, increases muscle development and stimulates the circulatory system; these effects help to reduce the possibility of suffering from conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure and heart disease. It is recommended that you do at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise three times a week; this may involve rowing, running, cycling and using cardiovascular machines at the gym, for example.

Social Advantages

Exercise can also be a great way to meet new people and relieve stress; it is particularly beneficial for those who have largely sedentary jobs. Many people see exercise as a means of controlling anxiety and escaping any stresses which may be present in their home or work lives.

Physical Appearance

Exercise is a great way to control body weight and enhance your physical appearance; the body puts on weight if it takes in a higher number of calories than it burns. If you exercise, you can burn off calories, which means you can eat treats without feeling guilty.