If you’re trying to eat healthier but confused about the best foods to include in your diet, you’re not alone. In today’s world filled with diet fads, it can be challenging to see, which would be the best one for you. But if you want fast results and no-frills, eat more whole foods — a simple meal guideline that has stood the test of time.
In essence, whole foods are ‘real’ food that is typically unprocessed and free of additives and chemicals associated with processed foods. Although processed food products may be convenient, whole foods can offer you much more.
Just compare plastic accessories that look pretty to real and one-of-a-kind women’s luxury bracelets and necklaces. You know the latter is more expensive, but they do last longer and have real value. The same goes for the food you put inside your body, you have to consider which one will benefit you over the long term.
To give you an idea of why you need to consider adding more whole foods to your diet, here are six more reasons and benefits why you should eat more of it.
It’s Better for the Environment
When manufacturers create processed foods, their operations often emit greenhouse gasses in excessive amounts, which can be fatal to the environment. Additionally, packaging that comes with processed foods typically ends up in landfills, further contributing to environmental damage. In contrast, whole foods are usually sustainably grown, meaning they do it as eco-friendly as possible — allowing you to enjoy food responsibly.
It Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), more than 400 million people have diabetes across the United States, where experts estimate those figures to double in the next 25 years. You can avoid being part of this ever-increasing figure by eating whole foods as it keeps your fiber intact, reducing your blood sugar levels.
Promotes Healthier and Glowing Skin
Because of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients present in whole foods, these efficiently nourish your skin alongside promoting optimal health. That’s because consuming foods like avocado and dark chocolate enhances your skin’s protection against the sun’s damaging rays, reducing your wrinkles — and preserving the elasticity and youthful look of your skin.
Jam-Packed with Essential Nutrients
When foods get processed, they often go through various mechanical processing steps, stripping them of many essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, where whole foods typically have intact. Most whole foods are high in these vital nutrients, promoting better health and well-being.
Reduced Intake of Sugar and Fine Carbohydrates
Compared to processed foods, whole foods are usually lower in glucose content. That’s because, in artificial processing, most food manufacturers incorporate additional sugar to the food products to make them tastier and appealing to consumers. Still, it ends up costing everyone in the long run in terms of health. Consuming excess sugar has been linked with an increased risk of developing heart diseases, diabetes, fatty liver, and obesity.
Decreasing your intake of processed foods and going for whole foods reduces your sugar and carb consumption drastically, freeing you from those medical conditions and making you healthier overall.
Better Heart Health
Like mentioned earlier, whole foods are rich in essential nutrients alongside other positive contributors to your health, like antioxidants and vitamins — giving your health a much-needed boost. Thanks to all these benefits, you decrease your risks of developing inflammation, which is purported as one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease, making your heart healthier and happy.
In a world revolving around health and fitness, though trendy diet fads may sound fun, don’t forget the many advantages of going back to the roots of consuming whole foods — helping you stay track on your fitness journey long-term.
