The need for Australians to eat more nutrient-rich foods is more important now then ever. With nearly 63% of all Australians classified as overweight or obese and 25% of all young people – between 2-17 – also being overweight and obese it is vitally important for all of us to change our eating habits. We are fortunate to live in one of the most food secure countries in the world.
For these reasons we should make the most of what’s available to us and source more nutrient rich food tp include in our diet. Not only does eating healthy have a positive impact on your physical health but it has also been linked to making you good mental health and feelings of happiness.
Fruits and vegetables are great sources of essential nutrients. Below is a list of nutrients essential for health.
- Calcium: Calcium is important for healthy bones and teeth. It is also essential in allowing our for muscles, nerves and glands to function normally.
- Fiber: Diets rich in dietary fiber have a number of beneficial effects on our body and mind. These include decreased risk of coronary heart disease and deceased in feeling anxious and depressed.
- Folate: Consuming adequate folate for women is important because it has been linked to a noticeable reduction in the risk of having a child with a brain or spinal cord defect.
- Iron: This is crucial for the production of healthy blood and allowing all the cells to function normally.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is the key ingredient for healthy bones and is essential to more than 300 enzymes in your body! Having insufficient levels of Magnesium can result in muscle cramps and high blood pressure.
- Potassium: Potassium in our diets helps maintain a healthy blood pressure.
- Sodium: This is required for normal cell function throughout the body. Having too much sodium, often in fast foods, is linked to causing high blood pressure.
- Vitamin A: This protect against infections and is important to healthy eyes and skin healthy
- Vitamin C: Helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy.
