A balanced diet is the cornerstone of good health and well-being. With key benefits including reducing the risk of disease and providing the body with the right nutrients for optimal performance and enhancing your overall wellbeing and quality of life. Employee productivity is significantly enhanced by a healthy balanced diet due to a range of benefits including improved energy levels and increased cognitive function.
Reduced risk of chronic diseases
Heart disease and strokes- Eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy can help improve heart health by maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Eating a diet with high amounts of salts and saturated fats can increase your risk of heart disease and strokes due to a build-up of cholesterol and increased blood pressure.
Diabetes type 2- A balanced diet can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Keeping a healthy weight and eating a diet that is low in both saturated fat and sugar and high in fibre can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Certain cancers- Eating a diet that is high in antioxidants and fibre which are present in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Improved mental health and cognitive function
Reduced stress and anxiety- a balanced diet supports you to have a clearer mind and more motivation whilst also reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.
Improved mood- a healthy balanced diet can improve regulation of blood sugar and hormone balance which contributes to improved mood.
Cognitive function- a balanced diet not only gives the brain the right nutrients to support positive mood but it also improves signalling pathways between brain cells for optimal brain function. Eating high quality foods that contain lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants nourishes the brain and improves brain function. This includes being able to focus more and improving your memory which will boost your performance at work.
Other benefits:
Increased energy levels- A balanced diet with plenty of energy sources from protein and carbohydrates will help you feel more energetic.
Improved sleep- Eating a balanced combination of foods allows our body to absorb essential nutrients, which our brain uses to create the right chemical environment for sleep.
Healthy weight management- Eating a balanced diet with regular exercise will help you stay at a weight that is healthy for you.
Stronger immune system- A healthy balanced diet is key for supporting your immune systems function as it needs sufficient energy and nutrients to do so. Eating a healthy balanced diet supports the immune systems regulation and balance. Find out more here- https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2020/mar/5-ways-to-boost-your-immune-system/#:~:text=2.,whole%20wheat%20products%2C%20nuts%2C%20seeds
Improved digestion- a diet high in fibre can improve gut health, promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation.
Stronger bones and teeth- a balanced diet with high amounts of calcium and vitamin D maintains strong bones and teeth.
Find out more using the variety of resources below:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626
https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/42224/The-benefits-of-healthy-eating
