Every once in a while, a research comes up that completely challenges the habits we have acquired over the years regarding our diet and health. And while there are various opposing views on certain lifestyle and health practices, some things are backed by hard facts and scientific evidence.
Here are some of the most widely accepted health practices that are evidence-based.
Calum Lewis/Unsplash. Exotic herbs and spices lend your food an extra kick and are great for your health.
Trans Fat Are Best Avoided:
Artificial trans fats are extremely harmful to our health and is linked to heart disease and inflammation. In the United States, trans fats are completely banned, so they are easier to avoid. But there are some foods that can have a small amount of trans fats that occur naturally. They are not as harmful as artificial trans fats, but it is better to avoid them.
Incorporate Herbs and Spices:
Herbs and spices are used in food in different cultures all over the world, but they remain underutilized in the Western world. These herbs and spices are not only flavourful and aromatic but also provide a wide variety of health benefits. For anti-inflammatory effects, use ginger and turmeric in curries. They are also powerful antioxidants that are beneficial for your overall health.
Estee Janssens/Unsplash. Keeping a journal of what you eat helps you count calories and nutrients, especially if you are struggling to shed some weight.
Keep Track of What You Eat:
If you are undergoing some health issues, it is highly recommended to keep track of your diet. It is also important to know how many calories you intake daily if you are watching your weight or trying to shed a few pounds. You can also use an online nutrition tracker to estimate portion sizes and calorie intake.
Keeping track of your daily food intake also lets you know how much protein, fats, fibers, and micronutrients you are having daily, and if you are fulfilling the daily requirement.
Diana Pelhkhina/Unsplash. Having excess belly fat is linked to a high risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
Shed Extra Belly Fat:
Excess abdominal fat is an especially harmful kind of body fat that must be gotten rid of as soon as possible. Having excess belly fat is linked to a high risk of cardiometabolic diseases, like heart issues and type 2 diabetes.
Keep track of your waist size and your waist-to-hip ratio as they are important markers of your health, rather than your body mass index.
Cutting down on added and refined sugar and carbs, increasing protein and fiber intake, and having enough water daily can help you reduce your unhealthy waist size.
