Why Whole Foods Are Important For Health
Lucia L. Kaiser, community nutrition specialist at the University of California-San Francisco, says whole foods contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, they are also full of phytochemicals or plant compounds. Researchers have identified thousands of different phytochemicals. Some phytochemicals are antioxidants and help protect cells, while others are known to enhance the body’s immune system. Flavonoids, carotenoids, and lycopene are examples of such compounds.
Processed foods contain artificial preservatives.
Processed foods often contain artificial preservatives commonly found in fast foods, processed foods, and packaged snacks. These chemicals are added to foods to prevent them from spoiling and increase the appearance and texture of these foods while maintaining their nutritional quality. However, many people are concerned about the health risks associated with artificial preservatives, so the FDA has issued new guidance encouraging people to limit their intake of these ingredients.
They are calorie dense.
While we can’t deny the importance of calorie density, whole foods also contain various nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. In addition to calories, they are also rich in fiber, antioxidants, protein, and other nutrients. Therefore, eating more whole foods can help prevent nutritional deficiencies and promote a healthy weight. However, eating more whole foods doesn’t require significant dietary changes. It’s just a matter of choosing which foods are rich in the nutrients you need.
They lack nutrients
You can find various nutritional benefits from whole grains, which are natural sources of carbohydrates and protein. In addition, they contain various vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals, which may help strengthen the immune system and protect the body from disease. But how can you ensure you get the proper nutrients from whole grains? To find out, read on to learn more about the nutritional benefits of whole grains.
They contribute to chronic disease.
Studies have shown that consuming too many processed foods is associated with an increased risk of chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. While it is true that processed foods can increase your risk of developing chronic diseases, it is also true that whole foods can help reduce your risk of developing these diseases. This is because whole foods are foods that haven’t been altered by adding artificial ingredients. In addition to avoiding processed foods, a whole diet includes fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and fish.
They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Eating a wide variety of whole foods has several health benefits. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients are best absorbed when eaten in their natural form. For example, its nutritional value degrades when an apple is cut into slices. Further, heat and refining agents used in food processing significantly increase nutrient loss. In addition to their nutritional value, whole foods contain enzymes, precursors, co-factors, activators, and synergistic micronutrients.
They are low in fat.
Eating a variety of whole foods is essential for your health. While we may get caught up in the amount of fat and other nutrients in a particular food, a diverse diet ensures that we get the necessary nutrients for optimal health. Whole foods are low in fat and contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, the natural compounds found in plants. There are thousands of these compounds that are beneficial to our health. Some of these phytochemicals are antioxidants, which protect cells from damage.
They are high in fiber.
Fiber is an essential nutrient for maintaining a healthy diet and is found in various foods. Most carbohydrates are digested into glucose while fiber passes through the body undigested. Fiber regulates your body’s use of sugars and helps keep blood sugar levels in check. Unfortunately, the average American only gets around 15 grams of fiber daily. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes are excellent sources of fiber.