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Food is the life-giving fuel for the body that you need in order to live. However, modern lifestyle has changed this definition drastically and associated terms like “guilty pleasure” and “addiction” with it. Conventional foods often lack the required amount of nutrients and thus are not preferable to eat to live a healthy life.
For the body to function well, it needs a required amount of nutrients every day that supplement health and keep every cell functioning. Nutrient-dense food contains a proper amount of essential components like vitamins, minerals, fibre, and proteins.
Every single food item serves a unique purpose. Carbohydrates provide energy to the body whereas proteins help in regulation. In addition to that, different vitamins help with metabolic functions and minerals act as building materials for bones, nerves, and muscles and also maintain the balance of the body.
Moreover, nutrients also keep the body from the risk of diseases and boost its ability to maintain optimal health. Know what nutrient-dense foods you need to add to your diet and what purposes they serve.
Nutrient-Dense Foods For A Balanced Diet
1) Nuts
Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of proteins, fibre and numerous vitamins and minerals. Different nuts have a different nutrient composition that supplements different parts of the body, Almonds and walnuts are renowned for their brain-boosting capabilities. Whereas cashews and pistachios are well known for their capabilities of promoting weight loss. Nuts help regulate body weight, protect against diseases and enrich the body with multiple nutrients.
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2) Grains
Grains like rice, wheat, corn, barley, etc. all are increasingly important to fulfil the daily nutrient intake of the body. The satisfaction that comes from savouring whole-grain foods is unmatched and no meal is complete without it. Common grains like rice and wheat are consumed for their rich carbohydrate content that gives energy to the body. Healthy foods like oats, barley, and quinoa work as dietary supplements as they fill up the gut in small quantities. Whole grains are considered way better than processed or refined grains.
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3) Pulses
While pulses count in grains, they certainly are not replaceable with it. Pulses are a source of proteins, fibres, and vitamins along with minerals like iron, zinc, folate, and magnesium. Pulses like chickpeas, beans, lentils, and peas are rich in dietary fibre along with other nutrients. For a protein-rich diet, it is often recommended to eat these pulses daily and only opt for non-refined options.
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4) Vegetables and Fruits
Summing up the qualities of different vegetables in just one passage might not do justice to their immensely beneficial properties. Vegetables and fruits also serve their unique purpose in defining the nutritional characteristics of meals. They are considered healthy due to their high dietary fibre and loads of different nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Plus, they also have a concentration of electrolytes and phytochemicals like antioxidants. Therefore, they are also an indispensable part of daily diet.
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5) Poultry
Poultry is often considered as an excellent source of protein. It plays an important role in maintaining a balanced diet. It enables muscle growth and repair, maintains cellular function, and helps in weight management as well. The proteins in poultry support tissue development and also repair them. Those who include poultry in their balanced diet are immune to several diseases and recover quickly from severe injuries as well.
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These food items might seem a common addition to the diet, but they play a huge role in maintaining a proper lifestyle. If your diet consists of all of this, you can be assured of living a healthy life. Always make sure to steer clear of unhealthy items like deep-fried and processed foods to be able to get the best out of your diet.
