Health is wealth but overeating with the thought of getting too much of this wealth can be dangerous.
Key to a perfectly balanced life is eating the right type and right amount of food.
Nature has been kind to us by providing us with all the right types of food that are vital for the proper growth and functioning of the human body. You just have to keep your food intake balanced with right quantity of life essential nutrition from each food group.
Based on the nutrients these foods are enriched with, they have been formed into several groups. For a better understanding, think of your car. You need the best quality fuel and proper lubricants to keep it running in the best shape and give put optimum results. Moreover, you invest a certain amount on its maintenance as well. Similarly, the human body needs such care and maintenance too. All this is achieved with the best combination of healthy foods.
Let us dive into some interesting stuff now by exploring some mouth-watering food options that are packed with health benefits.
#1. Fruits:
This is perhaps the most liked food group around the globe. Fruits come in a lot of variety with each one bearing a number of different nutrient combinations. Fruits can be added to bland foods to make them tasty or can be taken as healthy snacks.
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C which is the best antioxidant. Vitamin C helps in getting clear and glowing skin.
Bananas are high in potassium and fiber. It helps in digestion, heart health and regulating blood pressure. In short, bananas are a powerhouse of nutrients.
Apples are rich in iron, antioxidants, flavonoids, and fiber. It helps in alleviating heart diseases, cancer, and blood disorders.
#2. Vegetables:
This is the most important and widely used food group. Vegetables come in all sorts of varieties with a plethora of health benefits.
Apart from healthy eating, vegetables add flavor to your food and make them appealing to the eye.
Onions are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic and anti-allergic. They are rich in Polyphenols and Quercetin. People who eat onions regularly are at lower risks of cancer.
Potatoes are one of the largely consumed vegetables around the world. They can be eaten in a number of ways and there is hardly anyone who is not fond of potatoes in some form. They are surprisingly richer in potassium than a banana, are a good source of vitamin C and B6, and are packed with fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants.
Kale, the ugly looking green leaves are full of vitamin K, A and C. Kale are also rich in magnesium, copper, fiber, calcium, and potassium. It has around 45 different flavonoids and is one of the most active vegetables that kills cancer cells.
#3. Meat:
This food group is important to up your protein game. Unprocessed meat of all types when consumed in acceptable quantities is very beneficial for muscle growth and strengthening.
Good quality meat is packed with Vitamin B12, protein, good cholesterol and iron. A lot of people do not consider red meat to be healthy but the fact is if red meat and white meat are coming from good sources, nothing can beat the benefits they bring with them.
Lean meat, meat coming from animals that are grass-fed and chicken breasts are some of the examples of good quality meat.
Fish are another source of nutrients. Species like salmon, herring, and mackerel are rich in protein and Omega 3 fatty acids. They strengthen and improve bones, hair, and skin.
#4. Himalayan Pink Salt:
Salt being an essential ingredient in cooking, not only adds salty flavor but also provides vital minerals for the proper functioning of many body functions. It is necessary to choose the right salt among all the salts available in the market. One of the best and purest salt is Himalayan pink salt which is free from any processing and additives. It comes in its natural form from the khewra salt mines in Pakistan. It contains 84 minerals and trace elements which are very good for your overall health. By adding this salt to your favourite food you will get all the goodness of nature. You can visit Ittefaq Salt to know more about this incredible salt to make your meals more nutritious.
#5. Dairy Products and eggs:
This food group comprises mainly of milk products and eggs.
Eggs like meat are a powerful source of protein. Eggs are also loaded full of essential amino acids, lutein and zeaxanthin vital for eye health and choline which is important for brain, nervous and cardiovascular systems. It also contains naturally occurring Vitamin B12.
Milk and its products like cheese and yogurt are significant sources of calcium. They are also considered a strong source for Vitamin D, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and Vitamin A and B12.
Three servings of dairy each day are recommended for improving bone mass and ensuring good bone health.
Yogurt is cultured dairy food and contains probiotics. Probiotic products enhance good bacteria in the gut, improve overall health and reduce health risks.
Apart from these foods, there are a lot of other food sources like beans, legumes, and nuts etc. that are full of healthy nutrients.
A perfect diet should include a portion from each of the food group. Variety is not only good for health but also for getting flavorsome meals every time on your plate.
