Whole Foods Diet Benefits
A whole foods diet is based on eating mostly plants, such as vegetables and fruits. It also includes nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Meat, poultry, and fish are also whole food choices. The best types of whole foods are those that are organic, locally grown, and have minimal processing. Kale, for example, can be purchased for less than ten cents per serving and is widely used in salads, stews, and soups.
Ideally, your meals should contain a balance of vegetables, protein, and healthy fats. Those meals can include grilled fish or steak with a side salad. If you want to use oil as a cooking medium, choose extra-virgin cold-pressed oils. Avoid anything with added sugar or chemical solvents.
Foods that are whole contain the highest levels of vitamins and minerals. They’re also high in antioxidants, which fight free radicals in the body. They also reduce inflammation, which can lead to heart disease and other degenerative diseases. Recent studies have shown that people who eat a whole foods diet are less likely to develop these illnesses.
Unlike many diets, a whole foods diet doesn’t have a set calorie count. The natural lower calorie content of whole foods helps people avoid overeating. As an added benefit, a Whole Foods Diet closely aligns with the federal dietary guidelines. It focuses on real, unprocessed foods and avoids additives, hormones, and antibiotics. However, the whole foods diet isn’t for everyone.
What Are Whole Foods Diet Benefits?
A whole foods diet emphasizes eating whole grains, including vegetables, fruits, and meat. While chicken nuggets are more convenient, a skinless chicken breast is a better choice. Processed food removes many healthy nutrients during the processing process. For example, whole grains lose their coats and bran during refining and enrichment. While some additives have a nutritional benefit, others don’t.
Eating a diet rich in whole foods can reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, and metabolic syndrome. The whole foods diet is also low in sugar and contains more fiber, which balances blood sugar. It also includes healthy fats that boost your brain and improve your gut health. Eating a whole foods diet requires more planning and more cooking than a typical diet.
Whole foods are also rich in micronutrients. For example, they contain minerals such as zinc and iron. They also contain a high concentration of vitamins A and C. When combined, whole foods offer the most nutrients and increase absorption. Eating a whole foods diet can also help treat chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.
A whole foods diet includes 90 percent or more plant-based foods. The goal of the diet is to stay away from processed foods, so that the diet is centered on fresh foods. While this diet may be challenging for some, it is also easier than eating junk food or fast food.