Whole foods are those which have not been processed or refined before consumption. They are free of any unwanted additives and artificial flavors. Hence, they are nutrient-rich, plant-based and good for your body and health. So, skip the processed goods and turn to foods that are closer to Mother Nature.
There are many benefits to consuming whole foods:
Help maintain a healthy weight
A whole foods based diet ensures that you get your daily calorie requirement packed into colorful fruits, vegetables and grains, etc. Whole foods will keep you feeling fuller for a longer time and this will ensure that you do not indulge in any unnecessary snacking. Also, the fact that whole foods are rich in fiber and have a nutritional value unlike any other helps guarantee that consumers will retain a healthy and ideal BMI (Body Mass Index).
Decrease the risk of heart disease
The abundance of fiber that can be obtained from a whole foods diet helps prevent cardiovascular disease. Also, eating healthy whole foods has the added advantage of keeping blood cholesterol levels in check. Eating foods other than red meats and those without additives, extra sugar and salt keeps a person healthy and lowers the risk of various heart problems.
Lower the chances of getting diabetes
Eating whole foods, plant-based diet guarantees that you will maintain an ideal blood sugar level. Also, they lower your risk for developing type-two diabetes if you do not have it; and if you are already diabetic, a plant-based diet can help lowering your risk for developing the ailments that result from this disease.
Provide a balanced nutrient intake
The amount of nutrients contained in whole foods is very balanced. Supplements cannot provide the amount of balance that is provided by whole foods and often do not contain the rare nutrients that can be found easily in whole foods (e.g. green leafy vegetables have an abundance of iron which cannot be found anywhere else).
Have been reported to reverse certain diseases
Some people have found that indulging in a whole foods, vegan diet has helped them in reversing heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Also, whole food diets can help reverse the effects of anemia (especially iron deficiency) and also certify the health of pregnant women and their babies.
More variety and color on your plate
Having diverse ingredients and colors on your plate help in maintaining proper functioning of the body. From your nervous system to your digestive system, you can make sure that you and your family live a long, happy and healthy life. There’s also the added advantage of attracting kids to their plates and making the consumption of vegetables and fruits easier with the multiple colors of green beans, red bell peppers, yellow squash, blueberries, etc.
So, what are you waiting for? Hop on board and ride the express train to health because you know it’s the right choice and you don’t want to miss out on knowing where your food is coming from.
