A well-balanced meal full of nutrients gives us the fibre, proteins, carbohydrates, essential fats, minerals and vitamins necessary to function, live and develop optimally.
We need a variety of foods to get all the nutrients we need. In fact, we need seven types of nutrients and not all nutrients like water and fibre provide energy but are still important.
Consuming nutritious meals is important for you and your family and involves eating good quality foods with nutrients in it while reducing processed foods and saturated fats.
OVERALL HEALTH:
A well-balanced nutritious meal packed with nutrients supports our overall health in our day-to-day living. The foods we eat protect our cells from environmental damage and help repair and restore vitality to cells. Carbohydrates provide us with the fuel and energy we need to function while proteins rebuild tissues and promote a healthy immune system. Vitamins and minerals are important for various bodily functions.
DISEASE PREVENTION:
An unhealthy diet can lead to many diseases triggered by the onset of obesity, which is becoming a major problem worldwide. Even in people with optimum weight, bad nutrition is associated with major health risks and even death.
Nutritious meals maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease, Type II diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.
Nutrients are also important for brain health that can reduce the risk of developing Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and also improves brain function.
Bone and teeth also benefit from nutrients like calcium and Vitamin D while potassium maintains a healthy blood pressure.
Too much or too little of a nutrient can cause an imbalance in the body leading to disorders and diseases and that’s why it’s important to eat a variety of foods that are nutritious.
WEIGHT CONTROL:
A healthy nutritious diet of fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains helps to lose weight and maintain optimum weight.
Replace high calorie and high fats foods with nutritious meals which contain enough fibre to keep you feeling full for longer.
A healthy weight leads to a healthy body as less fat accumulates around your organs and arteries and helps reduce your risk of developing diseases thus prolonging your life.
HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT FOR CHILDREN:
Children need nutritious meals for the development of their body and their mind. It reduces the chances of developing various diseases in adulthood.
Nutritious food help children stabilise their energy, maintain a healthy weight and prevent the development of mental disorders such as depression.
Besides healthy eating habits stay with children for the rest of their lives and by introducing them to healthy foods from childhood you are ensuring that your children stay healthy and fit for the rest of their lives.
HIGH ENERGY LEVELS:
Replacing excess fats, sugars and refined carbohydrates with a healthy diet gives you all the nutrients you need. This results in higher energy levels throughout the day.
There are no blood-sugar levels spikes which drain you out and you feel energised and satisfied after your meals.
A well-balanced meal also provides the nutrients it needs to break down fats, fuels your energy needs and support the production of energy.
Photos by Brandon Wilson, Taylor Kiser, Thought Catalog,