A healthy diet, also called a macrobiotic diet, is basically a diet which helps sustain or improve general health. The food eaten in a healthy diet contains sufficient vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that the body needs to function properly. This diet usually reduces stress and promotes overall good health. A healthy diet can range from vegetarian foods to foods that are extremely meat-based.
The most important part of a healthy diet is protein, because protein provides many of the building blocks of the body. Some of the different foods in a healthy diet include beans (such as kidney beans and chickpeas), nuts (like cashews and walnuts), fresh fruits (fresh oranges and apples), cereals and whole grain breads, rice, yogurt, meat and fish (small pieces), vegetables, legumes, seaweeds, mushrooms, tofu, beans, seeds, nuts, and other legume-based foods. Many of these foods are also recommended for those who are lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, eczema, or sensitive to dairy products. Nuts and seeds are also a rich source of protein for vegetarians.
Other foods which are very important for a healthy diet are low fat dairy products, lean meats (such as poultry and fish), fresh fruits (especially blueberries and strawberries), whole grains, and nuts/seeds. These foods help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, promote weight loss, lower the risk of heart disease and cancer, while improving the digestive process and helping the body absorb nutrients better. Some of these foods are also thought to help people lose more weight. So a healthy diet is not only good for good health, it is good for staying healthy and preventing disease.
