Eat Well to Live Well

Proper nutrition helps keep energy levels up and protects against many age-related illnesses and diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes which have become a very common concern of this generation. But how do you maintain an eating routine and diet that keeps you and your family healthy and works within your lifestyle and budget?

Importance of nutrition

At the most basic level, nutrition is about eating a regular, balanced diet. Good nutrition helps fuel your body. The foods you eat supply the nutrients your body needs to maintain your brain, muscle, bone, nerves, skin, blood circulation, and immune system. Proper nutrition also helps protect you from illness and disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis.

Foods that are considered as beneficial for body

Plant-based diets have been shown to have various health benefits and are linked with a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses.

While most foods in plant-based diets offer important health benefits, certain ones stand out. These “superfoods” pack the biggest nutritional punch. People should try to eat some of these healthy foods every day or as often as possible which includes:

• Berries: High in fiber, berries are naturally sweet, and their rich colors mean they are high in antioxidants and disease-fighting nutrients.
• Fatty fish: Fatty fish can be a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent heart disease. Those with the highest omega-3 content are salmon, mackerel, sardines.
• Leafy greens: Dark, leafy greens are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium, as well as several phytrochemicals that protect cells from damage.
• Nuts: Hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds are good plant protein sources. They also contain monounsaturated fats, which may be a factor in reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Whole grains: A good source of soluble and insoluble fiber, whole grains also contains several B vitamins and minerals. They have been shown to lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease and diabetes.
• Curd/Yogurt: A good source of calcium and protein
• Legumes: Legumes are an excellent source of fiber, folate, and protein

– Dinu Vaishnava
Nutritionist – Nanded City