What Makes a Food Healthy or Unhealthy?

When it comes to eating healthy, there is so much information out there and it’s often difficult to sift through it all and make sense of what is actually good for us. So, what makes a food healthy or unhealthy?

A food is considered to be healthy when it contains a sufficient amount of nutrients to meet the body’s needs, without providing too much of any one nutrient. A nutritious diet should include a variety of foods from all the food groups in order to provide the vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins and fats that are essential for good health.

The type and amount of nutrients in a food is key when determining whether it is healthy or not. Foods high in fibre (such as fruits, vegetables and wholegrains) are generally considered to be healthier than processed foods that are high in added sugars, saturated fats and salt.

This is because these types of foods can contribute to obesity, heart disease and other chronic conditions.

In addition to the type of nutrients contained in a food, the way it is prepared also has an impact on its healthfulness. For example, deep fried foods may contain unhealthy fats, while grilled foods may be healthier due to the decreased amount of fat used during cooking.

Ultimately, the key element in determining if a food is healthy or not lies in understanding the type and amount of nutrients contained within it as well as how it was prepared. Eating a balanced diet consisting of a variety of nutritious foods from each food group will help ensure that you are getting all the essential nutrients your body needs for optimal health.

Conclusion: A food can be deemed healthy or unhealthy based on its nutrient content and how it was prepared. Eating a balanced diet full of nutrient-dense foods from all five major food groups will ensure that you are consuming adequate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals while avoiding excess added sugars, saturated fats and salt.