Nutrition

Healthy eating has never been easier, thanks to the food nutrition label. Most foods in the grocery store have a nutrition label and an ingredient list. Claims like “low cholesterol” and “fat free” can be used only on a label if a food meets legal standards set by the government. Reading the nutrition label can help you choose foods that make up a healthful diet. Eating a healthful diet can help reduce your risk factors for certain diseases. For example, too much saturated fat and cholesterol can possibly raise blood cholesterol (a risk factor for heart disease). Too much sodium may be linked to high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Being healthy daily is up to you. In addition to eating a balanced, nutritious diet daily also stay active, do not smoke and watch your weight. Here is a chart which provides some key words and health claims on product labels,…

A heart-healthy eating plan, called the Mediterranean diet might be the right diet for you. This diet is based on the traditional foods eaten by people living in the Mediterranean region especially in Greece. The Mediterranean diet is a delicious and healthy way to eat. It incorporates the basics of healthy eating and is low in saturated fat, very high in fiber and antioxidants from vegetables, legumes and nuts. Very little red meat is eaten in this diet and milk consumption is limited as well, except for some cheese and yogurt. Research has shown that the traditional Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease and may be associated with a reduced risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality, a reduced incidence of cancer and cancer mortality, and a reduced incidence of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes: Eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts Replacing butter with healthy fats such as…