The Various Benefits of Consuming Natural Health Foods

Nowadays, more and more people around the world are realizing the importance of a healthy diet. Overdependence on fast food has led to a massive increase in obesity, diabetes and other health problems all over the world. Most fast food chains use high amounts of oil to make their food, which leads to high cholesterol and heart diseases as well.

There are a number of natural health food products available in the market these days. These products promise to be just as tasty and filling as fast food items, and do not cause any harm to the body. While apple chips, organic fruit preserves, etc. are partially processed foods, they do provide almost as many benefits as the real thing.

Foods like burgers, fries, cheese, and certain desserts have a high amount of unsaturated fat, which could lead to clogged arteries and heart diseases. A lot of fast food joints have started to offer healthier items on the menu. However, what most people don’t realize is that some of the components used in such foods such as sauces and dressings, minimize any benefit you get from eating healthier items.

While buying natural health foods, make sure that you read the labeling and look at the nutrient information. Healthy food will have high levels of HDL, fiber, vitamins, etc. Avoid foods which have trans-fat. HDL stands for high density lipoproteins, and is also called good cholesterol. These are tiny molecules which carry fat and other harmful materials from the heart to the liver, to get disposed of. It is believed that having a high HDL count will substantially reduce the risk of heart attack, and other related diseases.

Generally, foods which are high in omega 3 fatty acids, rich in HDL and those which contain a high level of some antioxidants such as resveratrol are considered valuable in improving the health of the body. Items such as baked salmon, apples, pears, tofu, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, walnuts, etc. are good for your health. Look for products which have been baked, and not fried in oil. Having a couple of glasses of wine a day is supposedly good for you as well.

While you are looking for natural health foods, try and stick as much as you can to products made by reputed companies. There are a number of guidelines in place regarding the features of such products. Make sure that the item you are buying, meets all such guidelines, and does not contain high amounts of trans-fat and other potentially harmful ingredients. Look for items which have been sourced from organic suppliers.

Studies have shown that consuming products such as apple chips, canned fruits, etc. provide significant health benefits over similar health products such as potato chips and wedges. They provide a greater amount of fibers and nutrients, which improves your overall health condition. Keep in mind the fact that even though these foods are good for health, you should avoid going overboard with them. Too much dependence on natural health foods may not provide desired results.

Would you like to improve your diet but don’t know where to start? Dr. Oz reveals the four kinds of food that could give you an instant health upgrade. Plus, America’s favorite physician explains how to find the multivitamin that’s right for you.Original airdate: January 6, 2009 For more on #oprahwinfreyshow, visit http://bit.ly/1ODj0x7