61% of grocery store purchases in the US are highly processed foods.
By Dr. Casey’s Kitchen
“Highly processed” foods and beverages are multi-ingredient industrially formulated mixtures processed to the extent that they are no longer recognizable as their original plant or animal source.
High consumption of highly processed foods increase risk for disease and premature mortality. By a lot. Several studies have showed that people who eat the most highly processed foods have higher risk for cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, depression, and all-cause mortality.
Remember, food serves two main purposes. It is the building block of every part of your cells and body, and we need good building blocks to have a structurally and functionally sound body. Second, food is molecular information that tells your body what to do (changing gene expression, being part of cell signaling pathways, triggering hormones, etc).
The problem with ultra-processed foods/highly processed foods is that during processing, they often reduce the beneficial, health promoting properties of the food (like vitamins and fiber), concentrate the more damaging parts of the food (like refined sugar), damage the structure of compounds in the food make them disease-promoting (like oxidized fats), and add in stabilizers, preservatives, and artificial synthetic chemicals to make them more “palatable” and shelf-stable. What this means is that the food isn’t really serving your health as a good building block for the body and is not good molecular information for your body to know how to function properly.
Eat real, unprocessed or minimally processed foods is one of the best things we can do to live a healthy and happy life. This means foods that are whole in the sense that they have not been stripped of any part of them.
It’s easy to get confused when it comes to health and nutrition. Even qualified experts often seem to hold opposing opinions, which can make it difficult to figure out what you should actually be doing to optimize your health. Yet, despite all the disagreements, a number of wellness tips are well supported by research.
Here are 27 health and nutrition tips that are based on scientific evidence.
1. Limit sugary drinks
Sugary drinks like sodas, fruit juices, and sweetened teas are the primary source of added sugar in the American diet (1Trusted Source).
Unfortunately, findings from several studies point to sugar-sweetened beverages increasing risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, even in people who are not carrying excess body fat (2Trusted Source).
Sugar-sweetened beverages are also uniquely harmful for children, as they can contribute not only to obesity in children but also to conditions that usually do not develop until adulthood, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).
Healthier alternatives include:
Alkaline water
unsweetened teas
sparkling water
coffee
2. Eat nuts and seeds
Some people avoid nuts because they are high in fat. However, nuts and seeds are incredibly nutritious. They are packed with protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).
Nuts may help you lose weight and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease (8Trusted Source).
Additionally, one large observational study noted that a low intake of nuts and seeds was potentially linked to an increased risk of death from heart disease, stroke, or type 2 diabetes (9Trusted Source).
3. Avoid ultra-processed foods
Ultra-processed foods are foods containing ingredients that are significantly modified from their original form. They often contain additives like added sugar, highly refined oil, salt, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors as well (10Trusted Source).
50 Jaw Droppingly Toxic Food Ingredients & Artificial Additives to Avoid | MPHProgramsList.com 2022
Food Additive Status List | FDA
Examples include:
snack cakes
fast food
frozen meals
canned foods
chips
Ultra-processed foods are highly palatable, meaning they are easily overeaten, and activate reward-related regions in the brain, which can lead to excess calorie consumption and weight gain. Studies show that diets high in ultra-processed food can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions (11Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source).
In addition to low quality ingredients like inflammatory fats, added sugar, and refined grains, they’re usually low in fiber, protein, and micronutrients. Thus, they provide mostly empty calories.
4. Don’t fear coffee
Despite some controversy over it, coffee is loaded with health benefits.
Coco Beans are rich in antioxidants, and some studies have linked coffee intake to longevity and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and numerous other illnesses (16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source).
The most beneficial intake amount appears to be 3–4 cups per day, although pregnant people should limit or avoid it completely because it has been linked to low birth weight (18Trusted Source).
However, it’s best to consume coffee and any caffeine-based items in moderation. Excessive caffeine intake may lead to health issues like insomnia and heart palpitations. To enjoy coffee in a safe and healthy way, keep your intake to less than 4 cups per day and avoid high-calorie, high-sugar additives like sweetened creamer.
5. Eat fatty fish
Fish is a great source of high-quality protein and healthy fat. This is particularly true of fatty fish, such as salmon, which is loaded with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and various other nutrients (20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).
Studies show that people who eat fish regularly have a lower risk for several conditions, including heart disease, dementia, and inflammatory bowel disease (22Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source).
6. Get enough sleep
The importance of getting enough quality sleep cannot be overstated.
Poor sleep can drive insulin resistance, can disrupt your appetite hormones, and reduce your physical and mental performance (25Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source).
What’s more, poor sleep is one of the strongest individual risk factors for weight gain and obesity. People who do not get enough sleep tend to make food choices that are higher in fat, sugar, and calories, potentially leading to unwanted weight gain (28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source).
7. Feed your gut bacteria
The bacteria in your gut, collectively called the gut microbiota, are incredibly important for overall health.
A disruption in gut bacteria is linked to some chronic diseases, including obesity and a myriad of digestive problems (30Trusted Source, 31Trusted Source).
Good ways to improve gut health include eating probiotic foods like yogurt and sauerkraut, taking probiotic supplements — when indicated — and eating plenty of fiber. Notably, fiber serves as a prebiotic, or a food source for your gut bacteria (32Trusted Source, 33Trusted Source).
8. Stay hydrated
Hydration is an important and often overlooked marker of health. Staying hydrated helps ensure that your body is functioning optimally and that your blood volume is sufficient (34Trusted Source).
Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated, as it’s free of calories, sugar, and additives.
Although there’s no set amount that everyone needs per day, aim to drink enough so that your thirst is adequately quenched (35Trusted Source).
9. Don’t eat heavily charred meats
Meat can be a nutritious and healthy part of your diet.
It’s very high in protein and a rich source of nutrients (36Trusted Source).
However, problems occur when meat is charred or burnt. This charing can lead to the formation of harmful compounds that may increase your risk for certain cancers (37Trusted Source).
When you cook meat, try not to char or burn it. Additionally limit your consumption of red and processed meats like lunch meats and bacon as these are linked to overall cancer risk and colon cancer risk (38Trusted Source, 39Trusted Source, 40Trusted Source, 41Trusted Source).
10. Avoid bright lights before sleep
When you’re exposed to bright lights — which contain blue light wavelengths — in the evening, it may disrupt your production of the sleep hormone melatonin (42Trusted Source).
Some ways to help reduce your blue light exposure is to wear blue light blocking glasses — especially if you use a computer or other digital screen for long periods of time — and to avoid digital screens for 30 minutes to an hour before going to bed (43Trusted Source).
This can help your body better produce melatonin naturally as evening progresses, helping you sleep better.
11. Take vitamin D if you’re deficient
Most people do not get enough vitamin D. While these widespread vitamin D inadequacies are not imminently harmful, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels can help to optimize your health by improving bone strength, reducing symptoms of depression, strengthening your immune system, and lowering your risk for cancer (44Trusted Source, 45Trusted Source, 46Trusted Source, 47Trusted Source).
If you do not spend a lot of time in the sunlight, your vitamin D levels may be low.
If you have access, it’s a great idea to have your levels tested, so that you can correct your levels through vitamin D supplementation if necessary.
12. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
Vegetables and fruits are loaded with prebiotic fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, many of which have potent health effects.
Studies show that people who eat more vegetables and fruits tend to live longer and have a lower risk for heart disease, obesity, and other illnesses (48Trusted Source, 49Trusted Source).
13. Eat adequate protein
Eating enough protein is vital for optimal health, as it provides the raw materials your body needs to create new cells and tissues (50Trusted Source).
What’s more, this nutrient is particularly important for maintenance of a moderate body weight.
High protein intake may boost your metabolic rate — or calorie burn — while making you feel full. It may also reduce cravings and your desire to snack late at night (51Trusted Source, 52Trusted Source).
14. Get moving
Doing aerobic exercise, or cardio, is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health.
It’s particularly effective at reducing belly fat, the harmful type of fat that builds up around your organs. Reduced belly fat may lead to major improvements in your metabolic health (53Trusted Source).
According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, we should strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week (54Trusted Source).
15. Don’t smoke or use drugs, and only drink in moderation
Smoking, harmful use of drugs, and alcohol abuse can all seriously negatively affect your health.
If you do any of these actions, consider cutting back or quitting to help reduce your risk for chronic diseases.
There are resources available online — and likely in your local community, as well — to help with this. Talk with your doctor to learn more about accessing resources.
16. Use extra virgin olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest vegetable oils you can use. It’s loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and powerful antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties (55Trusted Source, 56Trusted Source).
Extra virgin olive oil may benefit heart health, as people who consume it have a lower risk for dying from heart attacks and strokes according to some evidence (57Trusted Source).
17. Minimize your sugar intake
Added sugar is extremely prevalent in modern food and drinks. A high intake is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source, 58Trusted Source).
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend keeping added sugar intake below 10% of your daily calorie intake, while the World Health Organization recommends slashing added sugars to 5% or less of your daily calories for optimal health (59Trusted Source, 60Trusted Source).
18. Limit refined carbs
Not all carbs are created equal.
Refined carbs have been highly processed to remove their fiber. They’re relatively low in nutrients and may harm your health when eaten in excess. Most ultra-processed foods are made from refined carbs, like processed corn, white flour, and added sugars.
Studies show that a diet high in refined carbs may be linked to overeating, weight gain, and chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease (61Trusted Source, 62Trusted Source, 63Trusted Source, 64Trusted Source).
19. Lift heavy weights
Strength and resistance training are some of the best forms of exercises you can do to strengthen your muscles and improve your body composition.
It may also lead to important improvements in metabolic health, including improved insulin sensitivity — meaning your blood sugar levels are easier to manage — and increases in your metabolic rate, or how many calories you burn at rest (65Trusted Source, 66Trusted Source).
If you do not have weights, you can use your own bodyweight or resistance bands to create resistance and get a comparable workout with many of the same benefits.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends resistance training twice per week (67Trusted Source).
20. Avoid artificial trans fats
Artificial trans fats are harmful, man-made fats that are strongly linked to inflammation and heart disease (68Trusted Source).
Avoiding them should be much easier now that they have been completely banned in the United States and many other countries. Note that you may still encounter some foods that contain small amounts of naturally occurring trans fats, but these are not associated with the same negative effects as artificial trans fats (69Trusted Source).
21. Use plenty of herbs and spices
There is a variety of herbs and spices at our disposal these days, more so than ever.
They not only provide flavor but also may offer several health benefits as well (70Trusted Source).
For example, ginger and turmeric both have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help improve your overall health (71Trusted Source, 72Trusted Source).
Due to their powerful potential health benefits, you should aim to include a wide variety of herbs and spices in your diet.
22. Nurture your social relationships
Social relationships — with friends, family, and loved ones you care about — are important not only for your mental well-being but also your physical health.
Studies show that people who have close friends and family are healthier and live much longer than those who do not (73Trusted Source, 74Trusted Source).
23. Occasionally track your food intake
The only way to know exactly how many calories you eat is to weigh your food and use a nutrition tracker, as estimating your portion sizes and calorie intake is not unreliable (75Trusted Source, 76Trusted Source).
Tracking can also provide insights into your protein, fiber, and micronutrient intake. (It’s important after 60 years of age to get enough protein.)
Though some studies have found a link between tracking calories and disordered eating tendencies, there is some evidence that suggests that people who track their food intake tend to be more successful at losing weight and maintaining their weight loss (74Trusted Source, 77Trusted Source, 78Trusted Source, 79Trusted Source).
24. Get rid of excess belly fat
Excessive abdominal fat, or visceral fat, is a uniquely harmful type of fat distribution that is linked to an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease (80Trusted Source).
For this reason, your waist size and waist-to-hip ratio may be much stronger markers of health than your weight.
Cutting refined carbs, eating more protein and fiber, and reducing stress (which can reduce cortisol, a stress hormone that triggers abdominal fat deposition) are all strategies that may help you get rid of belly fat (81Trusted Source, 82Trusted Source, 83Trusted Source, 84Trusted Source).
25. Avoid restrictive diets
Diets are generally ineffective and rarely work well long term. In fact, past dieting is one of the strongest predictors for future weight gain (85Trusted Source).
This is because overly restrictive diets actually lower your metabolic rate, or the amount of calories you burn, making it more difficult to lose weight. At the same time, they also cause alterations to your hunger and satiety hormones, which make you hungrier and may cause strong food cravings for foods high in fat, calories, and sugar (86Trusted Source, 87Trusted Source).
All of this is a recipe for rebound weight gain, or “yoyo” dieting.
Instead of dieting, try adopting a healthier lifestyle.
Focus on nourishing your body instead of depriving it.
Weight loss should follow as you transition to whole, nutritious foods — which are naturally more filling while containing fewer calories than processed foods (14Trusted Source).
26. Eat whole eggs
Despite the constant back and forth about eggs and health, it’s a myth that eggs are bad for you because of their cholesterol content. Studies show that they have minimal effect on blood cholesterol in the majority of people, and they’re a great source of protein and nutrients (87Trusted Source, 88Trusted Source).
Additionally, a review involving 263,938 people found that egg intake had no association with heart disease risk (88Trusted Source).
27. Meditate
Stress has a negative effect on your health. It can affect your blood sugar levels, food choices, susceptibility to sickness, weight, fat distribution, and more. For this reason, it’s important to find healthy ways to manage your stress.
Meditation, Journaling, Cross Word or Word Search Puzzling, Board Games are such ways to slow down the progression of Disease, and it has some scientific evidence to support its use for stress management and improving health (89Trusted Source, 90Trusted Source).
In one study involving 48 people with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or both, researchers found that meditation helped lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and inflammation compared with the control group. Additionally, the participants in the meditation group reported improved mental and physical wellness (91Trusted Source).
The bottom line
A few simple steps can go a long way toward improving your eating patterns and wellness.
Still, if you’re trying to live a healthier life, do not just focus on the foods you eat. Exercise, sleep, and social relationships are also important.
With the evidence-based tips above, it’s easy to introduce small changes that can have a big impact on your overall health.
Just one thing
Try this today: There are lots of suggestions on this list that can help you improve your health, but it’s best to put just one or two into practice at a time so you do not get burned out. As more of these healthy actions become habits, you can add more into your routine. health tips – Bing video
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“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” 
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