Decoding Nutrition Buzzwords: Which ones actually matter?
Hey Angels and Alphas,
Healthy eating has become all the rage in recent years, and with good reason. It’s never been easier to find information about nutrition; it seems like every day there’s a new article telling you what foods you should or shouldn’t be eating, which vitamins are the best supplements to take, and what beverages you should drink if you want to lose weight or boost your health in some other way.
This can be overwhelming to someone who simply wants to eat well but doesn’t have time to study up on nutrition every day.
Free radicals
When free radicals form in your body, they can interact with other molecules, resulting in oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an imbalance in the body between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. This interaction can lead to the development of various diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
When it comes to nutrition buzzwords, understanding free radicals and how they interact with antioxidants is essential. Eating a diet rich in antioxidant-containing foods is one of the best ways to reduce your risk for various diseases caused by free radical damage.
Inflammation
When it comes to nutrition buzzwords, inflammation is one of the most common terms you’ll come across. But what does inflammation really mean and why should you care about it?
Simply put, inflammation is the body’s response to a stimulus or injury. It’s a natural process that helps the body heal itself. This can include anything from cuts and bruises to the immune system responding to an infection.
When it comes to nutrition, inflammation can be caused by a variety of dietary factors. Eating too many processed foods, for example, can lead to inflammation in the digestive tract. Excess sugar and saturated fat can also cause inflammation, as can consuming large amounts of alcohol.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to reduce inflammation through food. Eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish can help reduce inflammation and its related symptoms. Reducing your intake of processed foods and added sugars can also help reduce inflammation.
Micronutrients – Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins are organic molecules found naturally in foods. They’re essential for many functions in the body, including energy production, growth, and metabolism. The two main types of vitamins are fat-soluble (like Vitamin A and D) and water-soluble (like Vitamin B and C).
Minerals are inorganic substances that are required for many metabolic processes. They can be divided into two categories: macrominerals, which are needed in large amounts, and trace minerals, which are required in very small quantities. Common minerals include calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium; trace minerals include iron, zinc, copper, and selenium.
Phytochemicals
When it comes to nutrition, the term phytochemicals is often thrown around. But what are phytochemicals and why should we care?
One of the most important functions of phytochemicals is their ability to act as antioxidants. These powerful compounds neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which can lead to cell damage and inflammation. Additionally, they help boost the body’s natural defense system by stimulating the production of protective enzymes.
So, how do you get more phytochemicals in your diet? Eat more plant-based foods! Fruits and vegetables contain high levels of these beneficial compounds, so make sure to eat plenty of them each day. You can also try incorporating beans, nuts, and whole grains into your diet to get even more phytochemicals.
By increasing your intake of phytochemicals, you can give your body the extra protection it needs to stay healthy. So don’t forget to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and whole grains in your diet!
Probiotics
When it comes to nutrition buzzwords, one of the most talked-about is probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms (often bacteria) that are ingested through food or supplements, and provide health benefits to the host.
Most commonly, probiotics are found in yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods. But you can also find them in pill form as a dietary supplement.
When it comes to probiotics, look for ones with multiple species of bacteria and a variety of strains. Different probiotic strains offer different health benefits, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting a good mix.
Also keep in mind that probiotics don’t always stay in your system for very long—so if you’re looking for long-term benefits, make sure to incorporate probiotics into your diet regularly.
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