- According to the WHO, since 1975 obesity has tripled worldwide.
- A proper diet is the basis for preventing a large number of diseases and conditions.
- A survey revealed that 46% of the population does not prefer healthy food because they consider it more expensive.
Food is an essential part of anyone’s life. Not only does it offer enough energy to carry out daily activities, but it is also the basis for preventing a large number of diseases. For the same reason, something apparently insignificant like a healthy food can make a difference and provide protection.
Tips to follow to reduce the risk of health problems
Now, in no way should be confused and think that it is what should be done. In addition, other indications must also be followed, such as do daily aerobic exercise. It is not necessary to do too complex routines but something simple but always be constant.
In addition, it is also important go to regular medical check-ups to identify possible diseases from their early stages. The most common mistake people make is thinking that they should only go to a doctor when they feel sick. The reality is that any day is ideal to go to a health center.
Back to the topic of healthy foodAlthough its importance is always emphasized, to date there are people who refuse to change their eating habits. Based on an analysis by Statista Consumer Insights, the most frequent reasons for this phenomenon were identified.
Based on a survey of more than a thousand people in the United States, it was verified that 46% stated that healthy food is more expensive. For this reason, most prefer the so-called fast food.
For its part, in second position is a quite similar argument. 23% argue that they do not have enough time to prepare healthy dishes. For the same reason, they prefer other types of options that are faster or buy ready-made food, even though it is not exactly the best option.
While 20% said that they do not consume healthy food due to lack of knowledge. With this, despite having enough time and willingness, he does not know how to prepare the dishes or the appropriate products to eat.
What should an adequate diet be like according to the WHO?
Given the serious problem that obesity represents, the World Health Organization (WHO) drew up a list with the elements and portions that a correct diet must contain and it is about the following.
- Fruits, vegetables, legumes (such as lentils and beans), nuts, and whole grains (for example, unprocessed corn, millet, oats, wheat, or brown rice).
- At least 400 g (that is, five servings) of fruits and vegetables a day, except potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava and other starchy tubers.
- Less than 10% of total caloric intake from free sugars, which is equivalent to 50 grams (or about 12 level teaspoons) for a person of healthy body weight consuming approximately 2,000 calories a day, but for health benefits In addition, the ideal would be a consumption of less than 5% of the total caloric intake. Free sugars are all those added to food or beverages by manufacturers, cooks or consumers, as well as sugars naturally present in honey, syrups and fruit juices and concentrates.
- Less than 30% of daily caloric intake from fat. Unsaturated fats (found in fish, avocados, nuts, and sunflower, soybean, canola, and olive oils) are preferable to saturated fats (found in fatty meat, butter, palm and coconut oil, cream, cheese, clarified butter and lard), and trans fats of all types, particularly those produced industrially (present in frozen pizzas, tarts, cookies, cakes, wafers, cooking oils and spreads ), and ruminant trans fats (present in the meat and dairy products of ruminants such as cows, sheep, goats, and camels). It was suggested to reduce the intake of saturated fats to less than 10% of total caloric intake, and that of trans fats to less than 1%. In particular, industrially produced trans fats are not part of a healthy diet and should be avoided.
- Less than 5 grams (about a teaspoon) a day. The salt should be iodized.
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Do you meet the 10 tips to have a healthy lifestyle?