A Varied Diet Is The Key To A Healthy Life

By: Zach Thompson
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:17:56
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

If our eating habits are varied and equilibrated, they will provide us with all the nutrients we need. Food can be classified according to type and quantity of nutrients it contains. The following information will allow you to balance your daily ingestion of proteins, minerals and fiber, and limit your consumption of fat, carbohydrates and sodium, the excess of which is harmful to your health.

Bread and cereals: Food belonging to this group contributes to increase your weight much less than they are believed to. What really makes you gain weight are the fat and sugar that are usually added to them (i.e. too much butter or marmalade). Also if you are eating any starches other than whole grains, this will cause weight gain. All food in this group contains vitamin B and iron, and most of them supply fiber, magnesium, zinc and folic acid.

Vegetables and legumes: The term “vegetable” refers not only to those green-leaved veggies, but also to a wide variety of others, including tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, onions and a lot more. The term “legume” applies to beans, peas and a huge number of other seeds. A balanced diet must contain food belonging to both of these groups. The consumption of a lot of vegetables is essential for achieving and maintaining a good health. For instance, carrots and tomatoes contain a great deal of vitamin A, same as big-leaved vegetables. Those veggies that are dark green also contain iron and calcium. Some vegetables that belong to the family of broccoli also seem to be related in the prevention of certain types of cancer. Legumes contain carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins C and B6, iron; and also magnesium, which help in improving the functions of the brain. Beans and dried peas contain proteins, folic acid, phosphorus and zinc.

Fruit: All fruit, especially citrics, contain a great amount of vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and other nutrients. As a negative thing, some of them also supply calories, sodium and fat. Those fruit whose seeds are eatable provide also a good deal of fiber.

Meat, fish and eggs: Food belonging to this group is rich in proteins and contains phosphorus, niacin and lower amounts of iron, zinc and other minerals, as well as vitamins B6 and B12. Some kinds of meat (i.e. pork and similar) contain lots of fat and calories, but others (i.e. chicken, turkey, etc.) contain them in much lower proportions. Eggs are very rich in proteins, but they also are rich in cholesterol.

Milk and derivatives: Milk, cream, yogurt, cheese and butter are our main sources of calcium. They also contain a good amount of proteins and vitamins A, B2 (riboflavin), B6 and B12.

Fat, elaborated desserts and alcohol: Although sometimes tempting to the sense of taste, these foods and beverages contain a lot of calories and almost nothing else. The consumption of these foods must be moderated, taking into consideration the caloric needs of each person.

Zach Thompson is a Glyconutrients Representative. You can get a free Glyconutrients consultation by visiting Glyconutrients. Clinical studies have shown that glyconutrients can help balance your immune system.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Food & Beverage category

  • Requirements for Kosher Meat - By: Marcia Henin
    What makes a meat kosher - the requirements and process of making kosher meat.
  • How to Choose the Right Catering Service? - By: Marcia Henin
    Catering services are a big issue when one is setting up an event that includes food. This article will give out some tips and highlights for how to choose the right catering service.
  • Kosher Food - The Way of Eating - By: Marcia Henin
    Many people, not necessarily Jewish ones, are transferring to kosher food. This article is about their reasons and beliefs about how kosher food is healthier then non-kosher food.
  • The Barista Realtors of Tel Aviv - By: Justin Havre
    Are you a Realtor that's been racking your brain for clever ways to get clients to come to you? Ways to trim the cost of the celebratory luncheon? Eliminate cold calls? Cut down on driving time? Sure you are. And though technology seems to be the answer to almo
  • Bistros and Restaurants in Paris, France - By: Martyn Davis
    There are thousands of different bistros, cafes and restaurants in Paris, which will range from having a quick snack to having a full blown A la Carte meal at one of the top table restaurants that serve haute cuisine.
  • Pistachios - A Perfect Hostess Gift - By: Bethany Chastain
    Do you ever think about finding the perfect hostess gift? Think about presenting the hostess with an attractive container of pistachio nuts. What a great one-of-a-kind idea! Almost everyone likes pistachios and lots of people think they are a tasty treat.
  • The Source Of The Secret Mouthwatering Dishes - By: Charanpreet Kanwal
    I have always wondered how some place claim to get secret restaurant recipes and sell them to gullible people when the restaurants will probably guard their recipes with their lives.
  • Vegetarian Book Recipes - By: Elisha konga
    Sometimes being a vegetarian seems no fun at all, especially on the weekend barbeque where everyone else is enjoying grilled sticks and many other grilled delicacies. But no more, before this weekend get yourself a new vegetarian cook book full of vegetarian recipes and enjoy as others are doing.
  • Six Things in choosing the Right Type of Food for Your Event - By: Neha Arora
    When you are organizing an event, there are a lot of planning and things that need to be done. Catering service is definitely a must during an event. Sometimes, the type of food that you cater for your guests can make the difference between a positive event and a poorly organized event. Before you hire a catering company for your event, it is recommended for you to do some food tasting first.
  • Famous Irish Recipes - By: Ruby Pameh
    4 lamb chops or pieces of stewing beef 5 potatoes 4 large carrots 2 parsnips 4 medium onions Salt & pepper to taste 2 tablespoons of oil Water All the fat and gristle is removed and the meat is cut into strips or cubed. Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Chop and saute the onions in the oil. Add the cubed meat. Wash and chop the carrots and parsnips and add to the onions and meat. Stir well and add water. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring to the boil and simmer until the meat and vegetables are tender.