The Right Types Of Food To Eating For Optimal Health

Food is any material consumed to supply nutrients to an organism’s body. The human body requires food to survive and grow; however food can also be a toxin if taken in excessive amounts or eaten in a way that is unhygienic or not digested properly. Food is generally of animal, plant or fungi origin, and includes any nutrients, including vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, or minerals which are needed by the body in its function. It is estimated that each of us consumes foods worth at least one pound per day, with nearly half of this volume being water – food that sustains the body’s needs

The five major food groups are carbohydrate, protein, vegetable, fat and fruit. Animal products, or flesh, are the most commonly eaten source of food in the United States. Plants, such as vegetables, are more widespread and are easier to grow; however, they have been known to play a role in aiding the human immune system. Fruits and vegetables contain many essential minerals, carbohydrates, and vitamins that our bodies need to maintain a healthy metabolism.

The majority of food is either a carbohydrate or a fat. Carbohydrate provides energy for our daily activities, while fat is used for making and sustaining muscles. Food carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals. They are broken down into simple sugars to provide energy for our body systems; however, refined carbohydrate carbohydrates such as white bread have been known to cause obesity. Vegetable and fruit fibre provide much needed nutrients and aid in digestion. They are digested slowly by our bodies and rarely cause hunger during the night.

Carbohydrates provide fuel for the body’s day-to-day functions and should be included in any healthy diet. Foods which are made up of complex carbohydrates are known as complex carbohydrates; they provide energy through chemical reactions in the body rather than being derived from a plant source. Some examples of complex carbohydrates are brown rice, barley, and potatoes; while simpler carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables and whole grain bread products. To get the most out of your food choices, you should combine different carbohydrates in small quantities to avoid creating an overwhelming or unhealthy diet. Also, be sure to choose healthy carbohydrates such as brown rice instead of white.

Fats are necessary to increase the amount of vitamins and minerals in your body; however, some fats are actually bad for you. saturated fats are more harmful than unsaturated fats because they clog the arteries and increase your risk of heart disease. To keep your body healthy and reduce your risk for health complications such as diabetes, make sure to choose the right fats to add to your diet. Saturated fats are found in butter, heavy cream, margarine, and vegetable oils; trans fats are found in fried foods and some snacks, and omega-3 fats found in fish, nuts, and fish oil supplements are good for your heart and brain. To get the most from your foods, experiment with oils and try to incorporate them into your daily diet in small amounts.

Protein is the building block of muscle and tissue, so it is important to eat plenty of lean protein in your diet. Eggs, cheese, yogurt, chicken, fish, lentils, beans, and lean cuts of meat are all excellent sources of protein. However, avoid red meat as much as possible because of its high fat content. To get a complete source of protein, eat lean meats, fish, and poultry; choose low-fat dairy products, yogurt, and milk; and try vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds. To get a wide variety of nutrients in one meal, experiment by mixing different types of food as much as possible and see what combinations produce the best results.