A proper diet has been linked to overall health and longer life. In fact, people who eat a healthy diet can cut their risk of dying prematurely by nearly 30 percent according to some studies. This of course is significant for those people who are already at risk from genetics or previous dietary intake.
Fortunately, as more and more medical data proving the link of diet and longer life is released, the focus has shifted. Today, in almost all major walks of life, people encounter a greater shift to improving health through diet. This can be experienced when:
• Shopping in Grocery Stores
• Dining in Restaurants-Including Fast Food Chains
• Purchasing Snacks
• Reading Media
• Watching Television
• Going to a Medical Care Professional
Because more and more people are beginning to understand the diet and health connection, people are living longer. In fact, when combined with better healthcare advances, the average lifespan of Americans has grown considerably over the last few decades. But eating a healthy diet means there needs to be a better understanding of how certain foods can contribute to health problems.
Intake of Fats and Proteins
There are considerable arguments over which foods are most healthy and which ones create the biggest problems for the body. If people follow the Atkins Diet, they are led to believe “fats” are not the problems. Instead, they believe that carbohydrates cause the greatest threat to health. However, many studies show the exact opposite. Most studies conclude that an influx of fats clogs the arteries and can cause extensive heart disease problems and high blood pressure. Additionally, lean proteins are considered healthy and should be the main type of protein consumed to keep a healthy diet.
Carbohydrates and Sugar
Some studies have shown that an increase in sugar and carbohydrates are at the root of many diseases. However, since the food pyramid shows a high amount of daily carbohydrates is what the body thrives best on, other study data can be called into question. Most health professionals will agree that too much sugar in any capacity is a bad thing for your health.
The problem with carbohydrates is that they fall into two categories. These are, refined and unrefined carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates have little nutritional value. These are the snack cakes and white flour-based desserts, pasta’s, foods and breads. These should be eaten in smaller amounts because they offer little health value. Carbohydrates turn into simple sugar which is not good for people if they consume too much.
By contrast, diets that are higher in multi-grains have been proven to be a healthy choice for better health. This includes: multi grain breads and pastas as well as whole oat foods and brown rice. These carbohydrate foods are considered healthy and should be consumed more frequently.
Fruits and Vegetables
One of the best category of foods on the food pyramid for increased longevity of life are fruits and vegetables –preferably organic. This is a category of food that can do a significant amount to promote health and longer life. It is one of the primary reasons people enjoy juicers like hurom juicers in canada.
For many people, eating the right amount of fruits and vegetables can be difficult each day. But there are plenty of ways to ensure fruits and vegetables are part of a healthy lifestyle. Creating homemade juices and smoothies is a great way to get delicious fresh fruits and vegetables without having to eat them individually.