Universal Food Truths
By Sara Butler
There’s usually a lot of controversy and discord when it comes to nutrition and health. No matter what debate you read about in the news, there are a few universal truths about food and your health. Here are a few things that almost everyone can agree on -- so don’t forget them!
Added Sugar is Bad for You
Sugar is often added to processed foods to make them taste better. Any sugar added during the manufacturing process is referred to as added sugar and it can be a real disaster to your health!
The most common types of added sugar you’ll find are:
- High fructose corn syrup
- Sucrose
- Dextrose
- Fructose
- Brown sugar
- Molasses
Sugar is bad for your health on a few levels. It’s empty calories, meaning the calories in sugar don’t have any other nutritional value other than just providing calories. Too much sugar also contributes to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Avoid added sugar when you can.
You Probably Need More Omega-3 Fatty Acids
You need omega-3 fatty acids to be healthy and for your body to function properly -- and chances are you don’t get enough. If you don’t focus on eating foods high in DHA and EPA in the form of fatty fish, then you probably should. Avoiding a deficiency may help you to prevent disease and illness, such as heart disease.
Trans Fats are Unhealthy
When vegetable oils are hydrogenated, then trans fat is formed. Hydrogenated vegetable oil is used by a lot of food manufacturers to keep products stable on the shelf. But trans fats have been linked to inflammation, obesity, and heart disease. You should really avoid trans fats at all costs.
Vegetables are Good for You
Vegetables are full of antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and vitamins your body needs to stay healthy. Eating vegetables has been found in many studies over the years to improve overall health and lower your risk of disease, so eat as many vegetables as you can each day!
You Need Plenty of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is special because it works like a hormone in the body. Your skin makes it when it’s exposed to sunlight -- that’s how you get most of what you need. Still, many people are deficient in Vitamin D because the sun isn’t always available several months of the year. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, and depression. Get tested to make sure you’re getting enough.
Eating a healthy diet doesn't have to be complicated. These simple food truths can help to keep your health and wellness on track!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Gahanna, Ohio.