Any type of food that is cheaply available and can be acquired quickly is referred to as fast food. In the modern world, the use of fast food has been facilitated by the growing numbers of restaurants as well as outlets. With the long working hours, most people have shifted their daily diets to the use of these fast foods. Fast food has been opted as convenient source of nutrients especially for those working people who dislike cooking. However, many people do not realise the hidden health hazards that result to different body complications such as obesity. It does not necessarily mean that all fat foods are unhealthy, but most people opt for food containing calories, fats, sodium and sugar while at the same time have less vitamins and nutrition. It therefore requires a closer scrutiny so as to understand why fast food is so bad for your health.

In most cases, these foods that are prepared and processed to what can be described as ready meals; usually contain very little nutritional ingredients. During their production, they are bulked out with breadcrumbs, pasta, saturated fats and sugar. Their taste is then enhances by adding spices and herbs. As if to complete the whole unhealthy package, they are also added some preservatives as well as artificial food colours and flavourings.

When a person consumes these artificially prepared foods replacing the fresh wholesome food, several risks may happen to the human body. Due to the contamination taken into the body, there is a risk of increased levels of bad cholesterol. This is also accompanied by raised blood pressure of the body. The immune system is also weakened. The higher intake of sugars also contributes to the blood sugar levels being destabilized. In the case where a person lives a sedentary lifestyle, the overall outcome for the consumption of these fast foods is increased fat storage.

When these fats store themselves in the body, there is a greater risk from the following diseases:
1. The irregular blood sugar levels may lead to type II diabetes.
2. High blood pressure raises the risks of stroke.
3. Raised cholesterol levels may result to heart attacks.
4. The failure of the human colon to process the waste products in the proper manner may also arise to the cancer of the colon.
5. Other frequent illnesses may follow as the immune system doesn’t perform properly. Other types of cancers may develop due to low levels of antioxidants.
6. As the overall acidity levels of the body increases, the body is at a risk of contracting inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

The removal of the excess uric acid from the blood stream is limited.
In conclusion, it is recommended that these fast foods should be replaced with the home-cooked meals prepared from natural sources such vegetables, meat or fish. The daily diet should also include fresh fruits. However, there exists some healthier choices of fast foods and therefore it requires one to be very careful on what type of fast food one is consuming.

There are many vitamins and combinations of these vitamins that are on the market. Some of them are helpful for specific medical conditions whereas others can be used for general health. The top 5 Vitamins to take for better health have great benefits when taken consistently. You should note that using natural sources of vitamins offers better health but it does take some time to notice these results.

1. Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins that you can take. If you don’t get enough in your food, then a supplement is essential. Vitamin C helps to fight various illnesses, flush toxins out of the system, prevent cancer, build up the immune system, and many other functions. You can’t overdose on this vitamin because anything that your body doesn’t use is flushed out. Doctors recommend that you take three doses of 1000 mg of Vitamin C per day to maintain better health.

2. Vitamin B12 is another essential nutrient for the body. This one helps to build up the immune system, fight disease, enhance brain and heart function, and stabilize mood, among other things. Many individuals over the age of 30 do not absorb this vitamin from their foods properly. Aside from its necessity in the functioning of the body, this is another reason why it is one of the top 5 vitamins to take for better health. The recommended daily intake for Vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg. While you can choose to take B12 alone, there are supplements that contain a variety of B vitamins also. If you go with this route, check to make sure that the level of B12 is suitable.

3. Vitamin D plays an important part in maintaining healthy hair, skin and nails but it also helps the heart and the nervous system to function correctly. As well, it can help to prevent certain types of cancer. While getting some sunshine helps the body to create this vitamin, increasing numbers of people are staying inside and not getting the sun that they need. In winter months, this is especially true. This is why it is a top recommended supplement to increase levels of health. Doctors recommend between 5 and 10 mcg per day for the average adult. This number may change depending on your location and situation.

4. Vitamin E is crucial in the functioning of the heart and nervous system. It also helps to keep the skin, nails, hair, and organs healthy. It acts as an anti-oxidant, flushing your system of toxins and free radicals. The recommended dose of Vitamin E is 400 mg per day but this can gradually be increased to 800 mg depending on how deficient your body is of this nutrient.

5. Vitamin A is essential in maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and bones. It is also necessary for the immune system to function correctly. To ensure that you get enough of the supplement, you can take up to 7,500 mcg of beta-carotene (for the body to convert to Vitamin A) per day for a week. During the flu season, you are recommended to take 1,500 mcg of Vitamin A per day for a week.

Extended vitamin therapy at this level should only be done under the supervision of a doctor. On a consistent basis, an average adult female should take 700 mcg per day but an adult male is advised to take about 900 mcg per day.

Wouldn’t it be absolutely amazing if there were super foods that you could eat to keep you healthy, support the healing process and help you to lose weight? Well the good news is that there is! There is a special group of foods that nature provides us with that can not only contribute to health and wellness but can also fight sickness and disease.

Super foods can help you to stay on track with your weight loss goals and they fill you up easily. They also taste good and can be incorporated into your meal plan with ease!

Here are 5 super foods to stay healthy (not in any particular order as they are all vital for your health!):

1. Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the top rated veggies and starts our list of the 5 super foods to stay healthy. It is a rich source of vitamins, A, C and one that is not often talked about, K. It is full of fiber and is available all 12 months of the year. The fiber found in broccoli helps to maintain an ideal weight. This green veggie is also a good source of beta-carotene.

2. Salmon

Oh, the richest of the sea! Another one of our 5 super foods to stay healthy is salmon. Salmon is a fatty fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acid which studies have shown is very good for the heart. It is low in calories and is high in protein. Salmon is also a good source of iron which spells healthy things for the blood. This fish is low in saturated fat. It is recommended by the American Heart Association that fatty fish such as salmon are consumed at least twice a week.

3. Nuts

If you like to get a little nutty sometimes then do not let the fat content in nuts stop you! Nuts are another one of the 5 super foods to stay healthy. Nuts sometimes get a bad rap however because they are high in the fat they contain. But the important thing to remember is that it is the good fat that they are high in, which is to say monounsaturated fat that helps to protect the heart. Nuts keep cholesterol levels normal and they promote a healthy weight. They are high in antioxidants, fiber and protein. So whether you are an almond, cashew, pistachio or walnut lover, enjoy your nuts but do so in small quantities!

4. Beans

Beans are also a super food that you should eat more of. They are healthy for the heart and they are a rich source of both soluble as well as insoluble fiber. The former helps to rid the body of toxins and waste while the latter keeps cholesterol levels at a normal level. Beans are a top source of protein, potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates. In particular, whole soybeans (also known as edamame) are healthy because they contain omega-3 fatty acids.

5. Berries

Berries are the bomb when it comes to the 5 super foods to stay healthy! They pack a wallop when it comes to your nutritional needs! Berries are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients. They are high in water and fiber content but are low in calories, plus they taste wonderful! Blueberries are the absolute best choice with strawberries coming in at a close second.

Many people tend to forego healthy eating for one main reason which is time. Fast food stores are readily available thus people tend to be pulled to these joints not only to save time but also to save money. Fast food restaurants should not be on your list if you are health conscious.

1 Eat foods rich in nutrients
You need over forty different nutrients to be in good health, therefore you need to ingest many different foods to balance your nutrients. Your daily diet should consist of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, meats and dairy products. Eating healthy means that you first need to understand your calorie requirements. This will help you in knowing what quantities of each food item you require.

2 Maintain a healthy weight
Determining your ideal weight is affected by different factors such as your height, heredity, sex and age. Having excess body fats increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, cancer, heart diseases and other diseases. You may be gaining and losing weight often which is not also good for your health. You should consult a doctor or a dietitian to help you improve on your eating habits. Exercising regularly is also very vital for you to maintain a healthy weight.

3 Portions
If you want to be healthy, you need to know what portion sizes of food you should eat. For instance according to experts the ideal meat serving for you is three ounces.

4 Eating regularly
Skipping meals exposes you to hunger which leads to overeating. It is also very easy to forego healthy eating when you are hungry. Eating snacks in between the main meals will help you deal with hunger and its consequences. Snacks however, must be kept light nor to become a whole meal.

5 Reduce intake of certain foods
A good number of people eat for enjoyment as well as nutrition. If your preferred foods are high in salt, fat or sugar, you need to moderate how much of these foods you consume and how regularly you eat them. Identify main sources of these ingredients in your meals and make adjustments if necessary. Adults who eat whole-milk dairy products or high-fat meats at each meal are most likely eating a lot of fat. Selecting low-fat dairy products as well as lean cuts of meat can lessen fat intake drastically.

6 Balance your food from time to time. You need to rotate what you eat. Whenever you miss out on any of the required foods you need for a healthy body, make sure you consume it next time you eat. This rotation of foods should however fit your healthy plan.

7 Avoid processed foods
Processed foods contain numerous things like trans fats, hydrogenated oils, high sugars and excess sodium that are unhealthy for your body. Learn the habit of preparing fresh food yourself so that you can control your nutrients intake.

8 Eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. They are not only nutritious but also help alleviate numerous illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and heart diseases.

9 Drinking plenty of water will help keep your body hydrated. If you are dehydrated you risk having your throat, nose and ears dry out, making them prone to bacterial infections. Water also aids in flushing toxins from your body.

10 You also need to get some exercises daily if you want to live a healthy life. This does not mean that you need to visit the gym daily but try to make wise choices like the stairs instead of an elevator, or go dancing!