One would think everyone on the planet should know these and quite frankly, most do. But even though we all know that eating healthy is one way to live a long and happy life, the irony is that most of us don’t.

There are many reasons why people would rather eat junk than healthy food. One is that preparing a healthy meal takes time and, in this day and age, only a few people care to take the time to cook. After all, one could easily order in fast food or kill two birds with one stone by eating out. This way, they get to eat and spend time with their friends; not bad.

There’s also that issue of cost. On average, junk costs way less than what one would spend to cook a healthy meal. Since they are generally tasty, it becomes quite difficult for people to choose healthier alternatives. That pleasant sugary taste of most junk food is admittedly, not easy to stay away from and the brain seems to like junk more! Click here to learn more about why the brain enjoys junk and how you can break the habit.

But what many don’t realize is that the effect of living on junk takes time to manifest. Since the implications aren’t immediate, save for increased weight, people assume they won’t apply to them. In this article, we’ll look at some of the incredible benefits that come with eating healthy and the consequences of living on junk food.

Benefits of Healthy Foods

The following are some of the benefits of eating healthy:

Improved Heart Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading cause of adult deaths in the U.S. is heart disease. Also, the American Heart Association (AHA) notes that nearly 50% of adult Americans live with some form of heart problem.

According to some studies, about 80% of premature heart diseases can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes like eating healthy and increasing physical activities. Food experts recommend that consumers eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Some experts recommend adding a supplement to your diet as well, such as CBD gummies, to help support your overall physical and mental wellbeing.

There are many different healthy diet options that consumers can choose from. All you need to do is find an expert than can put together a healthy diet that is best suited to your needs. A quick Google search can be very helpful. For instance, if you live in Vancouver, you can search healthy food Vancouver to get started.

Improved Memory

Some studies have shown that a healthy diet may be helpful in maintaining brain health and cognition. Including supplements, such as nootropics, in your diet is a good option. One study done in 2015 was able to identify foods and nutrients that protect against cognitive decline and dementia.

The study found the following to be beneficial:

• Fish
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamin C, D, and E
• Polyphenols and Flavonoids.

Strong Bones and Teeth

Diets rich in minerals like calcium help preserve the strength of your teeth and bones and slow down osteoporosis; a medical condition associated with getting older. Dairy products are the most popular source of calcium, but consumers can get the mineral from certain foods as well.

These foods include:

• Dark green vegetables like broccoli and kale
• Tinned salmon, sardines, or pilchards (with bones)
• Cereals and other calcium-fortified foods.

Consequences of Eating Junk

The following are some of the consequences of living on junk food:

Excess Weight or Obesity

This is one of the most common health conditions caused by junk. These sugary foods are naturally high in calories and to stay in shape, your body must burn more calories than you consume. However, there’s only so much the body can burn on its own without intentional effort and guidance from a weight loss coach.

Continuous consumption of junk with reduced physical activity inevitably leads to excess weight gain or obesity. According to medical experts, obese individuals are more likely to suffer from more health problems compared to those who are physically fit.

Depression

In 2016, some researchers found a link between increased symptoms of depression and diets with a high glycemic load. Diets with a high glycemic load include edibles like cakes, biscuits, soft drinks, and white bread that are basically refined carbohydrates.

What this means is that people whose diets that contain these are more likely to suffer from depression and fatigue. But people that stick to healthier meals containing vegetables, whole grains, and fruits will be livelier since these foods naturally have a lower glycemic load. Visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycemic_load to learn more about glycemic load.

Final Thoughts

Compromising on the quality of life in a bid to save time or money isn’t worth it. In the long run, several health issues will surface that could easily sweep away all the money you’ve saved up. It is your responsibility to cut back on junk and begin to eat healthy in order to enjoy a healthier and happier life.