Food that’s real is one as near to its natural form as it is possible to get.
However, since processed food was popularized at the turn of the 20th century, it is evident that the Western diet has moved towards ready-to-eat meals.
While processed foods can be helpful, they could impact your health. Therefore, a diet based on natural food could be among the most crucial actions you can take to ensure your health.
Here are 21 reasons to eat healthy food.
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Filled with essential nutrientsUnprocessed plant and animal foods can provide nutrients and vitamins you require to be healthy and in good health.
For example, one cup (149 grams) of red bell peppers or kiwi (180mg) and orange wedges (165 grams) contain more than 100 percent in the RDI in Vitamin C ( 1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source, 3Trusted
Eggs and livers are rich in Choline, an essential nutrient for maintaining brain health ( 4Trusted, 5Trusted, Source).
A single Brazil nut provides the selenium you require to last all day ( 6Trusted Source).
Most whole foods are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients.
- Sugar levels are low.
Certain studies suggest that eating sweet foods may increase the risk of obesity and insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes fat, ty liver, and heart problems ( 7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source).
Generally, natural food items tend to have less added sugar than processed foods.
Although fruit has sugar, it’s also rich in water and fiber, making it healthier than soda or processed foods.
- Heart health
Real food is a treasure trove of antioxidants and nutrients to support your heart’s health, including the mineral magnesium and healthy fats.
Consuming a diet high in healthy, unprocessed food could also aid in reducing the inflammation that is believed to be one of the primary causes of heart diseases ( 10Trusted Source).
- Greener for the planet
The global population is constantly increasing, and along with this increase comes a growing need for food items.
However, the production of the food needed by billions may be detrimental to the environment.
This is mainly because of the destruction of forests for agricultural use and the increase in fuel requirements, pesticide use, greenhouse gases, and packaging disposed of in the garbage dumps.
Sustainable agriculture based on real food can improve the quality of life on our planet by lowering the need for energy and reducing the amount of human-generated waste that is not biodegradable.
- High in fiber
Fiber has numerous health benefits, such as boosting digestion, metabolic health, and feelings of fullness ( 12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source).
Foods such as avocados, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and blackberries are high in fiber and healthy, as are legumes and beans.
Consuming whole foods that contain fiber is superior to supplements as it helps you feel fuller for longer. You can also gain additional nutrition from fruit or vegetable.
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- Helps regulate blood sugar levels
Based on the International Diabetes Federation, More than 45 million people have diabetes worldwide.
This number is projected to increase to 700 million by 2045.
Consuming a diet rich in fibrous plants and non-processed animal products can aid in reducing the blood sugar levels of those suffering from or at risk of developing diabetes.
In a study lasting 12 weeks, those suffering from prediabetes or diabetes ate a Paleolithic-style diet that included fresh fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, eggs, nuts, and. They saw an increase of 26% in blood sugar