What Are The Benefits of Eating Whole Foods?
Nourishing your body with wholefoods is super important for so many reasons, however many people are just not getting enough. A wholefoods diet focuses on consuming foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. This means that they’ve undergone minimal processing and are free from artificial additives and preservatives. We know that wholefoods play a key role in health – but what exactly are they good for?
What Are Whole Foods?
Wholefoods contain essential nutrients that are vital for optimising and maintaining good health, as well as preventing nutritional deficiencies. They are rich in essential nutrients such as phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
The Benefits of Eating Whole Foods
– Improving digestion
– Supporting the immune system
– Stabilising energy levels
– Weight management
– Reducing inflammation
– Optimising brain health
– Supporting detoxification pathways
– Enhancing skin health
– Balancing hormones
…. And the list goes on!
Some great wholefoods to incorporate into your diet include:
– Fruits; berries, oranges, bananas, apples, kiwifruits
– Vegetables; leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, capsicum, sweet potato
– Whole grains; brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley
– Legumes: black beans, lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, edamame
– Nuts and seeds: almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, chia seeds, sunflowers seeds – Lean proteins: Organic chicken, grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, free-range eggs, tofu
– Healthy fats: extra virgin olive oil, avocadoes, fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackeral), nut butters (almond, peanut), coconut oil
– Dairy/alternatives: kefir, cottage cheese, organic/coconut yoghurt, plant based milks (seed oil free; almond, soy, oat)
– Beverages: filtered water, herbal teas, coconut water, freshly squeezed juices
Adopting a wholefoods based diet encourages long-term health by reducing the risk of chronic disease and promoting overall longevity. With many wholefoods having anti-inflammatory properties, they also target inflammation on a foundational level, as well as aid in the detoxification process by supporting and optimising liver, kidney and gut function. With wholefoods contributing to sharper mental clarity, better mood regulation, cognitive function, hormonal health, as well as lowered blood pressure and cholesterol levels – what’s not to love?
Our Whole Food Recipes
If this way of eating is new to you, start slowly and ensure you’re increasing your water intake. Check out our “recipes” tab on our website for further inspo, or if you’re needing more specific advice on managing a chronic health condition, book in to see one of our naturopaths ‘here’.
