Good nutrition has a direct impact on your overall health and quality of life. When you follow a healthy diet that consists of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, for example, you aren’t just satisfying your hunger—you’re nourishing your body, too. Although it’s okay to indulge once in a while, it’s crucial to prioritize good nutrition so you can maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Here are some reasons why nutrition is important:

DECREASES THE CHANCE OF DEVELOPING VARIOUS DISEASES
Having quality eating habits can reduce your risk of developing certain diseases that could severely impact your health. Among these maladies are hypertension, diabetes and heart disease, which was the leading cause of death in the United States in 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you want to increase your chances of staying well, it’s best to stick to a healthy diet.

HELPS KEEP A HEALTHY WEIGHT
Eating natural food instead of processed foods can have a positive effect on your weight. Plus, your weight also influences your overall health. For example, being overweight raises your risk of developing Type II diabetes. It can also harm your joints, limiting your mobility.

INCREASES ENERGY LEVELS
Have you ever eaten a bunch of junk food and experienced a sudden jolt of energy, only to feel completely exhausted a short time later? That is how your body reacts when you absorb an abundant amount of refined sugar. By avoiding such unhealthy foods and fueling your body with nutritious options instead, you’ll be able to increase your energy levels throughout the entire day, not just for an hour or so—and you won’t endure that crash-and-burn effect. You’ll be able to focus on what’s going on around you rather than on how tired you feel. So, put down that candy bar and pick up a piece of fruit that contains natural sugars!

IMPROVES SKIN HEALTH
Good nutrition doesn’t just affect your weight or your energy. It can also play a role in the health of your skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, foods that contain vitamins C and E, lycopene and other antioxidants, as well as olive oil, can help to protect your skin against sun damage.

BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM
When you practice good nutrition, you’re consuming natural and healthy foods that can help your body. This includes improving your immune system. According to a 2011 study presented at the 5th International Immuno-nutrition Workshop in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, researchers showed how obesity can weaken someone’s immune system, thereby increasing the chances of getting sick from infections.

The choices you make when you eat don’t affect just one part of your body—like your stomach, for example. There’s your heart, your brain and your skin to consider, too. Good nutrition can benefit you on many levels.

Following a good nutrition plan is one of the best ways to improve and maintain your health and your quality of life. Should you need guidance on adopting a plan that meets your specific needs, a health care professional that specializes in nutrition can help you achieve your goals.

Northport Wellness Center nutrition and food expert, Kate Alchermes can assist you in gaining greater insight into nutrition health and identifying a plan that will effectively help you accomplish your goals.

To schedule an appointment or to learn more, contact Kate (516) 514-3444 or via email Kate.alchermes@gmail.com



(516) 514-3444