Consuming the necessary micro and macronutrients daily allows us to properly develop our metabolism.
Physical, mental and emotional well-being depends largely on our habits and lifestyle, as well as the decisions we make on a daily basis to take care of ourselves. One of those fundamental aspects when talking about health is the good nutrition, because it provides us with energy to carry out our activities and ensure the proper functioning of the body.
However, eating is sometimes a routine thing: we do it every day, at more or less regular times and, at times, without paying close attention to the nutritional value of what we consume. That is why It is important to be aware of this vital activity for human health, because only in this way can we choose foods that provide us with the necessary nutrients according to our requirements.
But what is conscious and healthy eating? Paula Andrea Henao, nutrition coach at SURA, defines it as: “the conscious decision regarding the foods and nutrients we consume”. In addition, he highlights that food not only provides us with energy, but also “gives us the information necessary to prevent diseases.”
Thus, by taking a much more active attitude in this regard, we are taking responsibility for our own health, understanding the latter as a skill that is developed through decisions and actions that contribute to our well-being.
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Nutrients that are good for us
There are many factors that can influence our health and diet is one of them. For this reason, every day we must select foods that provide us with the macro and micronutrients necessary for our body to carry out its metabolic processes, which are all the physical and chemical reactions that occur in the body.
In this way, a balanced diet allows cells to carry out their processes properly. For example, one of the organs that benefits most from conscious and healthy eating is the brain: studies show that eating well improves concentration and memory, which is important when it comes to preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
Nowadays, concern about these pathologies has gained relevance: the federation known as Alzheimer's Disease International It is estimated that by 2050 there will be more than 133 million people with Alzheimer's disease in the world.
For this reason, according to Paula Andrea Henao, it is important to consume neuroprotective foods such as B vitamins, vitamin D and iron, as well as antioxidants such as vitamins A, D, C and selenium to preserve cognitive response. Likewise, carotenoids, present in yellow, red and orange fruits and vegetables, are important to prevent cognitive decline.
However, conscious eating alone is not enough: we must first understand that proper nutrition depends, to a large extent, on the physical activity and rest. Performing aerobic exercises and activities that strengthen our muscle mass for at least 150 minutes a week is essential to maintaining health.
On the other hand, a daily rest of at least seven and a half hours allows for better nutritional status, as well as maintaining “energy and molecular balance, intellectual function, alertness and mood,” according to Dr. Merrill Mitler, a neuroscientist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
In this way, eating well should be part of the conscious decisions that allow us to lead a balanced life in which healthy habits are the pillar of our daily actions. In this way, we will achieve empowering ourselves with our health and well-being.