Written by Sasha Richard. Edited by Addison Teschner.
The basis of a healthy body and mind depends on what we eat. Good diets can help your mental and physical functions. Many ailments can be more manageable and even cured by eating nutritious foods. Balanced diets can improve memory, energy levels, physique, and general cognition.
Physical benefits are the most well known reason for dieting or watching what you eat. Even if you aren't athletic, eating well will help keep you more alert during the day since your body has more energy. Especially for athletes, keeping yourself energized is important. A good way to maintain this is by eating carbohydrates, which provide energy, and protein, which focuses on muscle health and strength. Hydration through drinking water is also a very important component in keeping yourself healthy.
A lesser known reason to eat balanced is for your mental health and cognition. Your brain is always working to keep yourself functioning, and it consequently uses up the energy your body processes from food. Non processed foods are the best for your body and mind, and some report that after dieting and eating mainly unprocessed foods, their moods have improved. Symptoms of depression have even been seen in those with unbalanced diets, and lowered memory and brain functions.
Most sources recommend foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins to balance out your diet. However, indulgence in “less healthy” foods isn't bad. Food ultimately is food, and as long as the appropriate nutrients and balance is being kept, health will also be maintained. Eating well is by far one of the best things we can do to improve our mental and physical health.
Sources:
https://www.tuftsmedicarepreferred.org/healthy-living/importance-good-nutrition
https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/php/resources/healthy-eating-benefits-for-adults.html
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002458.html
