Beyond a fashion, a challenge on social networks or a hashtag on Instagram , the importance of knowing how to feed ourselves lies in recognizing how our body works, because the way we do it will be reflected in our health. A balanced and healthy diet implies much more than losing weight. It means understanding that food can either benefit or affect our body and that like many things in life, it’s all about achieving balance.
Do you know what the function of proteins is? The role that carbohydrates play? And the purpose of vitamins and minerals? Below I share a brief description of the essential nutrients that the body needs and whose contributions allow its proper functioning.
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Healthy Eating: Keys to Achieve It
Proteins
They are involved in the growth, development and repair of muscles, tissues, and in the regulation of various body functions, so their daily consumption is part of a balanced and healthy diet.
Restricting or eliminating protein from your diet could cause diseases such as protein malnutrition called Kwashiorkor and other problems such as anemia , hypoglycemia, among others. But, without going to extremes!, because its excess can cause kidney damage, among others.
Fats
They are made up of fatty acids and, depending on their composition (saturated, unsaturated or polyunsaturated), they fulfill a certain function.
For example, essential fatty acids that are not produced by our body provide energy, transport and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K. They have a protective function as they form a layer around organs such as the heart and the kidney and serve to produce hormones and other substances. In addition, they allow flavoring food.
The deficit in the consumption of fats can cause alterations such as lack of energy reserves and problems in temperature regulation, as occurs in patients with anorexia.
Excess Fat is Associated With Most Chronic Diseases Such as: Obesity, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Problems, Among Others.
Carbohydrates
Although they have been quite questioned, they are essential, since a large number of metabolic processes depend on them. Carbohydrates, which are sugar molecules, allow the body to obtain glucose, which is the main source of energy for the body’s cells, tissues, and organs.
The carbohydrate deficit causes a lack of energy and can affect the nervous system whose functioning is closely related to glucose. On the other hand, the excess of this nutrient causes obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes.
Vitamins and Minerals
The perfect functioning of our organs depends on nutrients such as: sodium, potassium, chlorine, magnesium, calcium, water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Its balanced consumption will prevent organs such as the heart and kidney from suffering alterations due to not having those elements.
Now that you know the importance and function of nutrients and that everything lies in balance, I share six keys that will help you find that nutritional balance.
1. Avoid Routine Meals
You may love apple, chicken, or rice, but avoid eating only one type of fruit, vegetable, or protein. This habit will cause excesses of some nutrients and deficits of others.
2. Always Consult Your Nutritionist
Do not consume vitamin, mineral or protein supplements without medical indication, as their excess can cause damage to your body.
3. No Excesses!
Do not eliminate or exceed the consumption of any type of nutrients; because its importance and function for physical and mental health are of great importance.
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4. Don’t Fall for ‘fake News’!
Do not suppress food because of information given on social networks or in radio and television commercials. This action must be carried out under specific conditions and under medical and nutritional supervision.
5. A Tailored Nutritional Plan
If you or a member of the family has a medically indicated restriction, it should not extend to other members of the family, and even less so to children. Each organism requires a personalized nutritional plan!
6.Get Moving!
Combine a balanced diet with physical activity, as this is also part of maintaining a healthy body and a healthy mind. There are no excuses to exercise, even during this time at home.
Now that you know the keys to adopting a healthy diet, it’s time to put them into practice. And remember, when it comes to wellness, at the HealthyAllTips blog we think of you.
