Diet
-
The Science-Backed Benefits of Protein
Protein is considered one of the most important food elements (also known as a macronutrient) for the normal, healthy growth of the human body, and there are many science-backed reasons as to why you should eat more of it. Your hair and your nails, for example, are made up of mostly protein. Your body also needs protein to create hormones, enzymes and other types of chemicals, and is essential in the building of our muscles, bones, cartilage, blood and skin. While most people consume enough protein to avoid becoming deficient in it, it’s never a bad idea to increase your protein intake – as whether you’re wanting to lose weight…
-
Nutritional Strategies for Stress Reduction
Stress can impact us in a number of ways and for a number of different reasons. There are also many different ways to deal with stress, including everything from trying different relaxation techniques to speaking with a counsellor. Stress can also be a common contributor to both anxiety and panic attacks, which sometimes need to be managed with medication. What you might not be aware of, however, is the role your diet can also play when it comes to stress management. When you’re stressed out, your body produces hormones that can cause a temporary increase in your blood pressure. If your high blood pressure is, in fact, related to stress,…
-
Fast Food: Harmful Effects, Healthy Alternatives
Fast food may be popular in today’s busy world because of its convenience, affordability, and speed, but it comes with several drawbacks. The adverse effects of regular fast food consumption can have long-lasting and serious implications for one’s health. In this article, we will discuss why it is crucial to say “no” to fast food and explore healthier alternatives. Harmful Effects of Fast Food 1. Nutritional Deficiency: One of the major issues with fast food is the lack of essential nutrients. Fast food meals are often high in calories but low in vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fibre. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which can cause health problems…
-
Fighting Unhealthy Food Cravings
Fact: When we feel hungry, we eat. Also fact: We eat when we aren’t necessarily hungry but have certain cravings for foods, like salty potato chips or sugary sweets such as chocolate, cakes, and candy; and sometimes these temptations can be hard to resist. However, these food cravings are often an indicator that our bodies are missing something. Below are some of the most common reasons as to why we might experience food cravings, and what you can do to crush them and ultimately replace certain unhealthy foods with ones that are better for you. LACK OF WATER: Also known as dehydration, this can often manifest itself as hunger. Common reasons…
-
Hidden Dangers of Unhealthy Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, often referred to as “carbs,” are a macronutrient found in various foods and beverages. They are a primary source of energy for the body, essential for fuelling our daily activities and bodily functions. However, not all carbohydrates are created equal. While some carbs are beneficial and necessary for optimal health, others can be detrimental, contributing to a range of health issues, from obesity to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This article delves into the world of unhealthy carbohydrates, exploring why they are harmful and identifying the specific types of carbs you should avoid to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Understanding Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients, alongside proteins and…
-
The Healthiest Fruits and Vegetables for the Spring
With the spring season (and warmer weather) comes more options for us to make easier, healthier choices when it comes to the foods that we are putting into our bodies each and every day. The healthier, more nutrient-rich foods that we eat, the better we will ultimately feel. Among the best sources of nutrients are fruits and vegetables. While you can enjoy any fruit or vegetable all year round by purchasing them canned, frozen, or even dried (which makes for a great healthy snack), nothing quite beats the quality and taste of produce that is fresh. That being said, it’s important to remember that when purchasing fruits and vegetables, there…
-
How to Eat Healthy
Whether you’re looking to lose weight or not, healthy eating is something that we all need to do. To ensure your diet is as healthy as it can be, it should consist of the following: Protein (found in things like meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, beans and nuts), fat (also found in animals and dairy products, nuts, as well as oils), and complex carbohydrates (found in whole grains, seeds, fruits and vegetables.) You also need vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K, as well as calcium, iron and potassium. Water is also something you should drink more of, as it keeps you hydrated and…
-
Food’s Impact on the Brain
In order to stay as healthy as we can, we need to ensure that we’re always making healthy choices and be conscious of how we treat our bodies from both a mental and physical standpoint. This can mean doing things like getting regular exercise, getting adequate amounts of sleep each night, avoiding bad habits (such as smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol in excess), as well as having a diet that is rich in essential nutrients – including vitamins and minerals, proteins, healthy carbohydrates and fats, and water. Eating well is fundamental for our overall health and wellbeing, as the healthier foods we eat, the less likely we are to develop…
-
Vitamin C: A Key Player in Immunity and Beyond
Vitamin C is often the go-to vitamin for people suffering from a common cold or flu. But does it actually stop illness all together? The short answer is no. While Vitamin C can’t stop a cold in its tracks, it can shorten the symptoms of a common cold, the duration, as well as decrease the frequency in which you get colds – but only if you consume Vitamin C on a regular basis. Think of it as an immune booster rather than a cure. Common colds aren’t all Vitamin C is good for, however. It’s also beneficial for the growth and repair of skin, bones, teeth and other tissue, can…
-
Developing Sustainable Healthy Eating Habits
Depending on the foods you eat, your health can be impacted in both negative and positive ways. The unhealthier the foods are that you eat, the unhealthier you will feel. Whereas the healthier foods you eat, the healthier you will feel. Eating healthy doesn’t just mean making changes in the foods you buy at the grocery store. In some instances, it also means that you may need to make some changes to your environment. For example, many offices, schools and other public places have vending machines or cafeterias. While this might seem like an easier alternative to making and packing your own lunch, snacks or other meals, the foods that…
