Healthy Diet

Opinions on healthy eating have changed greatly over the last half-century and in many Western countries what was previously considered a balanced diet is no longer considered such. Almost on a daily basis, science discovers new foods and edible substances that are deemed beneficial to health and longevity as well as the ill effects of foods previously deemed nutritionally sound.

General consensus, however, dictates that a healthy diet should be low in saturated fats and high in fibre and that the number of calories we consume should be appropriate to our age, weight and level of daily activity. Beyond this, dietary specifics depend on the individual in question and any physical conditions or internal or external factors that might result in increased or decreased requirements for certain nutrients or compounds.

“You are what you eat” is an old adage, but not one without credible foundation, with plenty of evidence to suggest that individuals who eat a balanced diet are far less likely to succumb to illness and disease than those who don’t. The amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates we consume is appropriate to our individual physical requirements.

The above-mentioned compounds are commonly referred to as the three major food groups and nutritionists advise that for the purpose of good health, proteins should be a mix of animal and vegetable sources, fats consumed should be predominantly mono and polyunsaturated, and carbohydrates should be largely of the non-refined variety.

Balance in diet can also refer to our intake of vitamins and minerals, and while certain circumstances such as pregnancy, illness or athletic activity can increase our need for specific nutrients, there are general guidelines for requirements. These guidelines are commonly known as Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) and are devised using the needs of the average child, adult male and adult female as determining criteria.

There are numerous other issues pertaining to a diet conducive to healthy living, with many individuals seeking the assistance of dietary supplements to address specific health requirements. Although some evidence exists to support the efficacy of certain supplements, nutritionists advise that such products should only be used in addition to and not as a substitute for a well-balanced diet.