It is hard to eat healthy. However, it is important for you to make sure that you make the right food choices. There are several ways that you can benefit if you eat healthier.
Help You Maintain A Healthy Body Weight
Obesity is one of the top health concerns facing people today. It is estimated that 33.8 percent of the adult population is obese. Seventeen percent of children who are between the ages of 2 and 19 are obese.
Obesity is a major health risk. Studies have shown that people who are obese are more likely to maintain develop heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain forms of cancer and osteoporosis. If you make good food choices, then you will be less likely to become obese.
You can also lose weight by eating healthy foods. Even if you only lose 5 to 10 percent of your body weight, you will still be able to improve your health. Losing weight will not only help you get healthier, but it will also help you save money on your health care. Studies have shown that obese people spend over $2,000 more on their health care per year.
Reduce Your Risk of Chronic Diseases
Even if you are at a normal weight, you are still more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other health conditions if your diet is poor. Fruits and vegetables have antioxidants that can protect your health. Antioxidants help destroy the free radicals in your body. Free radicals are unpaired electrons that can damage the healthy cells.
Potassium is one of the nutrients that are found in fruits and vegetables. This nutrient can help lower blood pressure. It can also reduce the risk of suffering bone loss and reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Vitamin C is another nutrient that is found in fruits and vegetables. This nutrient helps heal cuts and repair damaged tissues. It also helps keep the gums and teeth healthy.
Additionally, fruits and vegetables have fiber in them. Fiber helps lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Save Money on Your Life Insurance
Life insurance is a necessity. It ensures that your loved ones will be provided for when you pass away. It will also pay for your final living expenses. Your health is one of the factors that will determine how much you will have to pay for life insurance. Your life insurance provider will likely ask you for your medical records.
If you are obese or have a chronic health condition, then you may pay twice as much for your health insurance. You may also have to get a medical exam before you get life insurance. If you are not healthy, then you are more of a risk to the health insurance company. You can protect your health and save money on life insurance by eating healthy.
Enhance Your Mood
What you eat can have a direct impact on your brain. Healthy foods help stabilize your blood sugar. When your blood sugar is stable, your mood is better. Studies have also shown that people who follow a diet that is high in omega 3 fatty acids are less likely to develop depression.
Healthy foods also have the ability to break down cortisol. This is known as the stress hormone.
Increased Productivity
Because healthy foods help the brain function better, they can increase your productivity. One study showed that following a healthy diet increases your risk of being unproductive by 66 percent. If you follow a healthy diet, then you will be more likely to move up the career ladder and make more money.
