What makes up a healthy diet?

Posted in Health Facts on January 10, 2014 by Abboud Fahoum.

Why is it important to eat a healthy diet?

It’s important to eat a healthy diet because eating the right foods can keep you healthy now and later on in life.

Which foods are especially healthy?

• Fruits and Vegetables: Eating fruits and vegetables can help prevent heart disease and strokes.  Eating them might also help prevent certain types of cancers. Try to eat fruits and vegetables with every meal and for snacks. Doctors recommend eating 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
• Fiber: Eating foods with a lot of fiber can help prevent heart disease and strokes. If you have diabetes, it can help control your blood sugar. Foods that have a lot of fiber include vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, oatmeal, and some breads and cereals. Doctors recommend eating 20-35 grams of fiber per day.

What about fats?

• There are different types of fats: Some fats are healthy and others are unhealthy. Trans fats are found in margarines, many fast foods, and some store bought baked goods. Saturated fats are found in red meats, butter, and many cheeses. Both Tans fats and Saturated fats are unhealthy. Healthier fats are Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as Olive or Canola oil.

What about alcohol?

• Limit alcohol consumption – people who drink alcohol each day increases your chance of heart disease, certain cancers, liver problems or diseases.

How many calories a day should an individual have?

• The number of calories you need each day depends on your weight, height, age, gender, and physical activity.