From the 14th -18th of June it is Healthy Eating Week and here at Willowbrook Foods we provide a wide range of healthy options to enjoy.

Healthy Eating with Willowbrook Foods

We pride ourselves on being able to provide good meals with a variety of food to incorporate into meals to suit everyone.

Healthy food does not have to be boring! There are so many delicious foods you can make. A salad with all your favourite greens, meats, fruit, cheese and topped with your favourite dressing. Why not incorporate sweet potato fries or mash, tasty soup with vegetables or a stir-fry with butternut squash. These are all foods available at Willowbrook Foods.

A healthy diet typically includes nutrient-dense foods from all major food groups! Lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables of many colours will help you achieve your healthy diet. Remember healthy eating means replacing foods that contain trans fats, added salt, and sugar with more nutritious options.

5 benefits of eating healthy according to Medical News Today

Following a healthy diet has many health benefits, including building strong bones, protecting the heart, preventing disease, and boosting mood.

1. Reducing your risk of cancer 

Eating foods that contain antioxidants can reduce a person’s risk of developing cancer by protecting cells from damage.

The presence of free radicals in the body increases the risk of cancer, but antioxidants help remove them to lower the likelihood of this disease.

Many phytochemicals found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes act as antioxidants, including beta-carotene, lycopene, and vitamins A, C, and E.

According to the National Cancer Institute, though humans trials are inconclusive, there are laboratory and animal studies that link certain antioxidants to a reduced incidence of free radical damage due to cancer.

2. Better mood

Some evidence suggests a close relationship between diet and mood.

A diet with a high glycemic load includes many refined carbohydrates, such as those found in soft drinks, cakes, white bread, and biscuits. Vegetables, whole fruit, and whole grains have a lower glycemic load.

3. Improved memory

A healthy diet may help maintain cognition and brain health.

A 2015 study identified nutrients and foods that protect against cognitive decline and dementia. The researchers found the following to be beneficial:

• Vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin E
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Flavonoids and polyphenols
• Fish

Among other diets, the Mediterranean diet incorporates many of these nutrients.

4. Improved gut health

The colon is full of naturally occurring bacteria, which play important roles in metabolism and digestion.

Certain strains of bacteria also produce vitamins K and B, which benefit the colon. These strains also help fight harmful bacteria and viruses.

A diet low in fiber and high in sugar and fat alters the gut microbiome, increasing inflammation in the area.

However, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains provides a combination of prebiotics and probiotics that help good bacteria thrive in the colon.

These fermented foods are rich in probiotics:

• Yogurt
• Kimchi
• Sauerkraut
• Miso
• Kefir

5. Weight Loss

Maintaining a moderate weight can help reduce the risk of chronic health issues. Having overweight or obesity are risk factors for several conditions, including:

• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Poor bone density
• Some cancers

Many healthy foods, including vegetables, fruits, and beans, are lower in calories than most processed foods.

Happy Healthy Eating Week! Feel free to tag us in your creations with delicious food from Willowbrook Foods.