7 Surprising Facts About Nutrition You Need to Know in 2021
Are you concerned about your wellbeing and nutrition in 2021? With so much conflicting information out there, it can be challenging to stay on top of healthy eating habits. To help you out, we have compiled seven surprising facts about nutrition that you need to know to make informed decisions and live a healthy lifestyle.
1. Eating Carbs Can Help You Lose Weight
While the low-carb trend has gained popularity in recent years, there is evidence to suggest that a moderate-carb diet can facilitate weight loss. According to research, people who consume a moderate-carb diet tend to maintain a healthier weight than those who opt for an extremely low-carb diet. Moreover, carbohydrates provide vital nutrients such as fiber and vitamins that are critical for overall health.
2. Protein Quality Matters
Consuming the recommended amount of protein is essential for overall health, but the quality of protein matters as well. Plant-based protein sources such as beans and nuts tend to be less complete in terms of essential amino acids, whereas animal-based sources such as meat, fish, and eggs contain all the necessary amino acids in the right proportions. Therefore, it’s vital to include high-quality protein sources in your diet to stay healthy.
3. Chocolate Can Have Health Benefits
Yes, you read that right. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which have been shown to improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, it is important to choose dark chocolate with minimum added sugar to reap the health benefits.
4. Fats Are Not All Bad
While it’s essential to limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, unsaturated fats such as omega-3s have a range of health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish like salmon, almonds, and avocado can reduce inflammation in the body, lower the risk of heart diseases, and improve brain function.
5. Supplements Are Not a Substitute for a Healthy Diet
While supplements can provide necessary vitamins and nutrients, they cannot replace a healthy and balanced diet. It’s best to obtain nutrients via whole foods rather than relying solely on supplements to fulfill nutritional needs.
6. Sugar is More Harmful Than We Think
Consuming excess added sugars can lead to a host of health issues, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases. Experts recommend limiting sugar intake to less than ten percent of daily caloric intake.
7. Nutritional Needs Vary Across Age Groups
Your nutrition needs change as you age. Infants, toddlers, teens, and adults require different nutrient proportions. Moreover, pregnant women and older adults have unique nutritional requirements. As per their respective needs, the consumption of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, etc., differ.
In conclusion, proper balanced nutrition is essential for maintaining overall health. These seven surprising facts about nutrition can help you make informed food choices and lead a healthier life. Remember, it’s always best to consult a licensed healthcare professional or a certified dietician before making major changes to your diet.
