When it comes to health and wellness, even the experts are sometimes divided on taking up the right approach. With the advancement in medical health and the newly emerging research on healthy habits everyday, there is a lot of confusion on what diet is best to follow and how to change our sleeping habits. But here are some healthy habits backed by cold hard facts, which we should try to incorporate in our lives for:
Cutting down on added sugars:
Consuming sugary drinks like artificial fruit juices, sodas and sweetened teas are some of the biggest sources of added sugar in our diets. Having additional sugar regularly increases risk of heart diseases, type 2 diabetes and obesity, and is harmful for the body in the long run.
Beverages with added sugar are especially harmful for children, as they lead to childhood obesity and may lead to serious health conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver, high blood pressure,heart diseases and type-2 diabetes later into adulthood.
Eating dry fruits and nuts:
Most people avoid eating nuts, seeds and dried fruit because they contain fat and are high in calories. But they are missing out on an incredibly delicious and nutritional snack option. Most nuts and seeds are rich in fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins necessary for the healthy functioning of the body.
A study also found that not eating enough nuts and seeds can lead to a high risk of developing heart conditions, high blood pressure and even a stroke.
Avoiding highly processed food:
Adding in highly processed food, food which has added sugars, preservatives, artificial sweeteners,oils, salts,and artificial flavors, in our daily diet is extremely bad for gut health. Packaged snacks, cereals, fast food, frozen food, chips, biscuits and canned goods all fall under the category of highly processed food and should be strictly avoided, or consumed occasionally. Since these highly processed food items are full of flavor, they are consumed in large amounts, and can activate the reward-related regions in our brain. This leads to overeating and obesity. All ultra-processed foods are linked with the risks of type-2 diabetes, elevated blood pressure and heart conditions.
Having coffee:
New research about coffee consumption and caffeine dependency has caused a certain fear about coffee which is not based on facts. Overconsumption of coffee can be harmful to health, but drinking a few cups a day is in fact, beneficial for health. It is full of antioxidants, and some research has even linked coffee with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease.
