Why is it important to eat well?

A good diet plays an essential role in our health. It reduces the risk of developing certain chronic diseases and thus increases life expectancy. This is because food provides the energy needed for our cells to function properly and allows our bodies to develop harmoniously. That is why it is essential to watch what we eat, both in terms of quality and quantity.

Good nutrition not only improves our physical well-being, but also improves our mood, as it helps us to feel more energetic.

Good nutrition is one of the most important habits for good health – physical and mental – and quality of life. This is why emphasis is placed on the importance of adopting and maintaining it over time with other healthy habits, such as regular exercise, a good rest routine, etc.

What is a Good Diet?

As we have said, a good diet is one that provides the body with all the nutrients it needs to function properly throughout the day.

It should not exclude any nutritional group, it should be varied and it should be adapted to the body’s needs according to age, weight and health.

To guarantee complete and calorie-controlled meals, it is not advisable to improvise menus. Ideally, each dish should be planned in advance, so that it is not replaced by harmful foods.

What are the main Benefits of a Healthy Diet?

A varied and balanced diet, combined with regular physical activity, gives a feeling of well-being and helps to maintain good health. This is because food :

• Provide the energy necessary for the daily functioning of the body ;
• Allow the body to develop, strengthen and evolve.

That is why it is important to watch what you eat, both in terms of quantity and quality.

In addition, it is recommended to take into account the specific needs at certain periods of life:

• During infancy: (from 0 to 3 years of age);
• During childhood and adolescence: (from 3 to 18 years);
• In pregnant women: a balanced diet during pregnancy;
• In the elderly.

Why a Healthy Diet?

To keep our intestines healthy

Our intestines are home to billions of friendly bacteria. These bacteria are essential for the proper functioning of our digestive system, particularly in the digestion and assimilation of nutrients. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables has a probiotic effect in that it contributes to the development of intestinal bacteria that are beneficial to the colon and, more generally, to health.

So by eating enough vegetables, fruit and fermented products naturally rich in probiotics, you can improve the health of your colon.

To preserve our sleep

Good sleep quality is conditioned by many parameters, including nutritional factors. Obesity can interfere with breathing and therefore sleep. Losing a few kilos can improve the situation. Reducing the consumption of alcohol and caffeine-based drinks (coffee, tea, etc.) ensures a good night’s sleep.

To keep our mood up

There is a close link between mood and diet. According to a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, a diet based on processed foods rich in carbohydrates (hamburgers, white bread and sugar, for example) is associated with a higher probability of depressive states and anxiety disorders. A healthy diet can therefore contribute to our good mood!

And for our memory!

A healthy diet can help prevent cognitive decline. Studies have shown that unbalanced diets rich in fat and sugar can cause brain damage. It is essential for brain longevity and memory maintenance. In adults, nutrients such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6) are essential for memory and learning. In an elderly person, omega 3 and vitamin A play a protective role on brain cells, thus slowing down their ageing.

Does Healthy Eating prevent certain diseases?

Eating a healthy diet helps to balance our weight. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to suffer from certain diseases such as:

• Cardiovascular diseases.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• Certain cancers.
• Osteoporosis.

Vegetables and fruit contain fewer calories than processed foods and are rich in fibre. Fibre has an interesting effect on hunger control. Very often, high-fibre foods require a longer chewing time and tend to increase the volume or viscosity of food in the stomach. They take longer to digest in the digestive system, and make you feel full.