A healthy diet is quite important to protect ourselves from diseases, control weight and improve our overall wellbeing. If we want to lead, a balanced life then food should be right mix of nutrients and less of sugar and fat. Our social, physical as well as mental health are all directly linked to what we eat and if we can improve any one of these elements then it has positive effect on others.
Physical Health
If you are eating healthy food then it has a direct effect on your physical performance. In case the food lacks adequate nutrients, then it can slow down many of the metabolic activities and in turn, your physical health will decline as well. Additionally, healthy diet is rich in many vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, which protect us from many diseases such as cancer, heart diseases and diabetes.
People who include fresh fruits, whole grains, lean meat, legumes and fish in their diet are less prone to chronic diseases, especially diseases that are related to diet. However, normally in US most people have a diet that is rich in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates and partially hydrogenated oils, which means general health of people in US has a lot of scope for improvement. Such dietary trends in addition to higher stress levels and sedentary lifestyle are becoming primary reasons for obesity and heart diseases in people in the country.
Mental Health
It is a well-known fact that if certain minerals and vitamins are lacking in your diet then it can result in various types of mental problems. As for example, deficiency of calcium, iron and Vitamin B12 are linked with depression. It is seen that new mothers are more susceptible to such depression that is caused by lack of nutrition.
In different studies, it has been found that fatty acids such as Omega-3 fatty acids that are present in walnuts, salmon and kiwi fruit have several benefits. Omega-3 can assist in improved learning as well as memory while fighting against problems such as mood disorders, depression, dementia and schizophrenia. In case diet is deficient in Omega-3, it may lead to diseases such as dyslexia, attention deficit disorder and bipolar disorder.
Social Health
By taking healthy food, you can keep your weight in control as well as maintain better energy levels throughout the day as well as remain mentally fit. In addition to it, when you look as well as feel good, it tends to help self-confidence as well. Improved self-esteem would make you socially more active and give the confidence to face others and develop new connections.
Similarly, a good meal can be the time when all family members sit together and enjoy the food, which in turn will help to improve the bonds between the family members. Lastly, when you are physically fit, you can interact in a much better way with other people and express your thoughts.
Intellectual Health
As per Center for Disease Control and Prevention, hunger can affect performance. At the same time, poor nutrition or lack of it can cause problems in focusing on any given topic. Some people also feel distracted as well as restless and all these problems can have a negative influence on intellectual performance of a person.
Summary:
Diet plays a very important role in overall physical as well mental well being of any person. The diet someone has also indirectly affects that person’s social life and can impart great influence in how well the person is accepted in the society. It is therefore essential that we seriously look at what we eat and take steps to improve it.