We’ve all seen the infamous food pyramid poster, and of course, we’ve all heard that we should eat our fruits and vegetables. But what few of us actually know is why we should eat these kinds of foods. 

Many of the nutritional choices we are encouraged to eat are centralized around weight management. And while weight management is beneficial for our overall well-being, it’s not the only health benefit that the right foods can offer us. 

Different foods contain different nutrients— nutrients that can help our bodies in all sorts of ways. Here are some of the healing benefits that foods can offer that you may find interesting.

Improved Brain Function

Unfortunately, some of us are genetically inclined toward developing memory-related diseases like dementia. And while we may not always be able to deny our DNA, we can improve our brain function and memory retention. 

Eating foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids can help enhance brain power and prevent memory loss.  By including plenty of foods like salmon, nuts, and leafy green vegetables into your diet, you’ll pack plenty of the right brain-boosting nutrients into your day.

Immune Support

A strong immune system is the cornerstone of optimal health. The more you can defend yourself against pesky bugs that come your way throughout the year, the last time you’ll find yourself miserable in bed.  There are many different foods that contain immune-boosting nutrients, however, some of the best are garlic, citrus fruits, and yogurt. 

If you can manage to incorporate some of these into your life at every meal, you’ll find it can be just as good if not better than a daily multivitamin.

Mood Regulation

Have you ever noticed that even though some foods taste delicious in the heat of the moment, the aftermath isn’t as good as the temporary pleasure? This is because when we eat foods that are highly processed and full of saturated fats and sugars, it often affects our moods. 

There are all sorts of hormones and chemicals in foods that are prepackaged so, the more we can eat foods that are naturally derived and pure, the less we’ll find ourselves experiencing mood swings.

Increased Energy

Do you find yourself dipping in energy at certain points during the day? It may very well have something to do with your diet and nothing to do with the amount of coffee you drink. Eating heavy and starchy foods may fill us up temporarily, but it puts our digestion on overdrive, to the point where we may experience fatigue. Some nutrition experts believe that this is a result of a glucose crash. 

Try to not only opt for healthier foods but also consider changing the order in which you eat things. By saving your starches and fats for last, you’ll find a significant improvement in your energy levels.

Food is so much more than just something we eat. It can be a powerful healing tool and the key to our overall well-being. By making a conscious choice to eat well, you can live a healthier and more well-rounded life.