Humans are like finely tuned engines, and to keep our bodies working, we need fuel. We get this fuel into our bodies through the food we eat and the nutrients those foods contain. Good nutrition is one of the keys to a healthy life. You can improve your health by keeping a balanced diet. It’s not just about the calories intake. The nutrients we need include proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.  Another vital element of good nutrition is water. It is important to have a balanced diet rich in all nutrients to ensure that no deficiencies or hormonal imbalances are created in the body.  But the benefits of good nutrition go beyond weight. Good nutrition can help:

• Weight management

A lot of us mistakenly associate weight loss with fad diets, but eating a nutritious diet is really the best way to go about maintaining a healthy weight and at the same time attaining the necessary nutrients for healthy body function.

• Protecting you from chronic diseases

Many chronic diseases such as type-2 diabetes and heart disease are caused by poor nutrition and obesity. Taking a preventive approach with a whole food-based nutrition plan also reduces the risk of some diseases including kidney failure, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, some cancers, and osteoporosis, Reduce high blood pressure, Lower high cholesterol, Improve your well-being, Improve your ability to fight off illness, and to recover from illness or injury, Increase your energy level

• Strengthening your immune system

Our immune system is our defense against disease, but poor nutrition is the most common cause of immune deficiencies worldwide. It requires an intake of proper vitamins and minerals in order to function optimally.

• Delaying the onset of ageing

Foods like tomatoes, berries, nuts and fish all contain certain vitamins and minerals that are good for the skin. It can increase vigour and improve cognitive performance, For example, tomatoes contain vitamin C, which helps build collagen, in turn making your skin look firmer and slow premature aging.

• Supporting your mental well-being

Eating the right foods can actually make you happier – nutrients such as iron and omega-3 fatty acids found in protein-rich food can boost your mood. This contributes to better overall mental well-being and protects you against mental health issues.

• Increasing energy level

Our bodies derive energy from the foods and liquids we consume. The main nutrients our body uses for energy are carbohydrates, fats and protein. Water is necessary for transport of nutrients, and dehydration can cause a lack of energy.

Healthy eating is all about eating balanced proportions of nutrient-rich foods from the various food groups, as well as adopting several healthy eating habits. If you have questions about your diet or feel that you need to lose weight or change your eating habits, schedule an appointment with a nutritionist. They can suggest dietary changes that will help you get the nutrition you need while promoting your overall health.