Imagine staying for just a whole day without eating. What would you experience? If it has never happened to you, you should know that your body will naturally become weak. The more you stay without food is, the more your body will become weaker and more vulnerable. If you go for over 30 days without food [and water], you will starve to death.
The correct definition of food is a nutritious substance that people eat/drink to maintain life and growth. This clearly shows how important food is to our health and life. But really, why is it that important? Plus, you should know the number of meals you need to have in a day to stay healthy as required.
That been said, let’s find out why food is considered the most important thing for your health, shall we?
Reason #1: We Get the Right Nutrients
You see, when you eat food, you will be taking multiple nutrients, which will support the day-to-day activities. These nutrients also help to protect your cells from environmental damage. Furthermore, they will repair any cells that are damaged in the body.
Some of the common nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, vitamin, minerals, fats, calcium, sodium potassium, and phosphorus.
Protein, being one of the must-have nutrients, rebuild the injured tissues in the body. But also, it helps to boost your immune system. Carbohydrates, commonly known as carbs, and fats, will fuel your body with the right energy. That is why most bodybuilders eat food rich in carbohydrates and protein. However, too many carbs and fats can lead to unhealthy weight gain.
Vitamins and minerals, on the other hand, support the major processes in the body. For instance, Vitamin A, C, and E will act as antioxidants to protect your cells against an attack from toxins. B Vitamins will help to convert energy from the food you eat.
Phosphorus and calcium help to keep your bones and teeth strong. That is why most toothpaste will have some calcium content. Sodium potassium is responsible for transmitting nerve signals. For instance, when you a thorn pricks you, the nerve signals will be sent to the brain to alert it. This will make you feel pain and remove the thorn. But if you have a sodium-potassium deficiency, you may not even feel any pain because to signals are sent to the brain.
All these nutrients can be found from the food we eat. But you will need to eat a well-balanced diet for you to enjoy all the nutrients.
Reason #2: Diseases Are Kept at Bay
Yes, another reason for eating is to prevent your body from diseases. Food does help in disease prevention, and this is done in many ways. Even though unhealthy eating can lead to obesity, which is a nutrition-related disease, that doesn’t mean you should avoid eating. The point is to eat a well-balanced diet and in the right portions.
Lack of enough nutrients in the body will make you prone to sickness. For example, if you lack calcium in your food, you may end up developing osteoporosis. This is a disease that makes the bones weak. However, you should also know that excess saturated fat can lead to cardiovascular disorders.
If you don’t eat fruits and veggies, your cells will be vulnerable to cancer development. That is why it is advised to eat plenty of fruits and veggies since they don’t have any known side effect. Regardless of how many you eat. However, eating fruits and vegetables with high sugar level can lead to diabetes 2. So, that brings us back to eating a well-balanced diet.
When you eat food from multiple sources, you’ll limit the chances of developing a disease in the body.
Reason #3: Food Makes Us More Productive
The fact that you have the energy to read this article and think critically proves that you are not starving yourself to death.
The brain works just like a car. It needs the right fuel for it to function efficiently. When you are more productive at your workplace, you will also be in a better position of making more money. Here is where you will be your boss’ favorite to get a promotion or raise.
If you don’t eat, your body will be weak, and your brain will not function properly. One study shows that healthy eating increases the productivity rate in workers. So, if you want to be more productive, you’ll need to have some good food.
Reason #4: You Will Live Longer
Another benefit of eating is that it helps us stay healthy and live longer. Obviously, you might not make it to the second month if you decide to go hungry. Approximately, 9 million people die of hunger every year in the world. All because the body cannot survive without the needed fuel, which is food.
Also, if you develop a specific disease due to a nutrient deficiency, it might end up costing your money, and even your life. A weak immune system means that your body will be a hub of diseases and attacks. Whatever virus tries to enter the body will easily multiply and break down your system. The white blood cells are not there to fight those diseases.
But when you eat healthily, you will fall ill less often, which will then save you money you’d spend on hospital bills, and hence live a long, happy life. Remember that eating healthy will also give you a happy mood. In other words, you will not be depressed. Some food/fruits are known to boost a person’s mood. They include fruits, veggies, olive oil and the omega-3 fats from fish.
Don’t forget that unhealthy eating can also make you gain weight and increase your risk of contracting other diseases. As you plan to include a well-balanced diet, remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
The good news is that proper dieting is not as complicated as you might think. There are actually some simple diet tips that can keep you healthy and fit enough.
If you don’t know how to go about the proper diet, here are some healthy meal plans for example to get you started.
