Benefits of a Healthy Diet

Maintaining an overall healthy diet not only offers your body the energy and nutrition that it needs to function, but offers several health benefits as well. Below is a list those foods that are the best for you body, and the health benefits that those foods provide.
Fruits and Vegetables
Health Benefits

Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables as an overall healthy diet may...

* reduce risk for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
* reduce risk for type 2 diabetes.
* protect against certain cancers, such as mouth, stomach, and colon-rectum cancer.
* reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.
* help decrease bone loss and reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.

Nutrients

* No fruits or vegetables have cholesterol, and most are naturally low in fat and calories.
* Vegetables are a great source for potassium, dietary fiber, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
* Fruits are a great source for nutrients such as potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C and folic acid.
* Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure.
* Dietary fiber helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. Fiber is important for proper bowel function. Fiber-containing foods such as vegetables help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories.
* Folic acid (folate) helps the body form red blood cells. Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant and those in the first trimester of pregnancy should consume adequate folic acid, including folic acid from fortified foods or supplements.
* Vitamin A keeps eyes and skin healthy and helps to protect against infections.
* Vitamin E helps protect vitamin A and essential fatty acids from cell oxidation.
* Vitamin C helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy.
* Vitamin C also aids in iron absorption.

Whole Grains

Grains, especially whole grains, provide several health benefits. Grains provide essential nutrients and helps reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.
Health Benefits

Eating a diet high in grains, especially whole grains, as an overall healthy diet may ...

* help with weight management.
* reduce constipation.
* reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.

Nutrients

* Grains provide many nutrients such as dietary fiber, B vitamins and minerals.
* Dietary fiber may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and lower risk of heart disease.
* B vitamins are essential for your metabolism by helping your body release energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates.
* Folic acid helps the body form blood cells and is especially important for women of childbearing age who may become pregnant.
* Magnesium from whole grains helps build bones and release energy from muscles.