January 18, 2007 - Vol. 36 Issue 8
Food
For Thought
Little known facts about foods people eat
Healthy lifestyles decrease health risks
By Emily Hauser, sr.
Photo Editor
There are lots of excuses for not living healthy, but there
are even more reasons to live a healthy life. People who are in shape have
more energy and are happier. Eating properly boosts the immune system, preventing
long-term conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes as well as fighting
against the common cold. A healthy lifestyle reduces stress levels and helps
people sleep better. A diet high in cholesterol leads to cardiac problems
such as a heart attack. Cutting back on fatty foods leads to significant weight
loss. It is easier and healthier to maintain a good weight by eating wisely
rather than following fad diets. Being overweight is a leading cause of strokes,
breathing problems, and premature death. Eating certain foods high in antioxidants
and minerals may help reduce the risk of some cancers.
Vitamin supplements are available for purchase for those who either do not
want to eat right or cannot eat certain foods, but these do not provide the
same amount of vitamins and minerals to the body as eating foods with the
same substance.
The food pyramid is a comprehensive guide to how much of certain
foods people should eat. In 2005, the United States Department of Agriculture
revamped the pyramid system so that it was more personalized. This new pyramid
stresses not only healthy eating choices, but also a healthy lifestyle, including
exercise. There are twelve possible recommendations based on age, gender,
and physical activity found on the website mypyramid.gov.
A nutritious diet along with a good physical activity plan will help people
live longer, better lives and avoid preventable deaths like heart problems.
Healthy eating does not mean to stop eating junk food. It just means to eat
such things in moderation.
Information compiled from: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-5-Key-Benefits-of-Eating-Healthy&id=448945
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