Healthful Eating

Essay by schatzi_College, UndergraduateA+, March 2008

download word file, 6 pages 3.9 1 reviews

Why is eating healthy important? Many people today enjoy a greater abundance and variety of food than ever before. Nevertheless, countless health and nutritional problems arise from unbalanced diets and overeating. Many people ingest too many calories and too much fat, cholesterol, sugar, and salt and not nearly enough protective nutrients. At the same time, many people's lives have also become increasingly sedentary. These patterns all add to the consequences of not eating healthy. Even though it may be difficult to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, eating healthy has many benefits and is an important part of developing an overall healthy way of life.

There are many short and long-term benefits to eating healthy. Eating right can lead to a long and healthy life. Weight loss can also be attributed to eating a healthy diet in accordance with exercise. Other than staying in good shape, eating healthy can also help to maintain healthy hair, skin, and nails.

Improved energy is another exceptional benefit of enjoying a healthy diet. Eating healthy also supports the immune system which can help to guard against many health problems and diseases. According to Dr. Christine H. Farlow, D.C. (2002) eating healthy can "prevent certain diseases known to be a related to diet and nutrition, particularly cancer, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity."The United States government issues official dietary guidelines based on nutritional research. These describe an overall pattern of balanced diet and activity for good health. An important part in eating healthy and maintaining a balanced diet understands the Nutrition Facts label found on most packaged food products. The Nutrition Facts food label is designed to help the consumer make nutritious choices when selecting foods. The Nutrition Facts label offers information about serving size, calories, and several nutrients which...