Beauty and healthy aging do not come easily. Rather, it is the outcome of healthy choices. The most crucial decision you can make is your diet i.e., what do you consume. Because when it comes to food, whole foods and processed foods are two categories that are, more often than us, at odds with each other. However, while in one case the body is fed and health gets better, the other case has the potential to do the exact opposite.
In this piece, we will summarize the reasons which will help you understand why whole foods are ideal in replacing processed ones starting from the most basic reason – superior nutrition. We will also provide more tips to ensure you are equipped to shift to a whole food diet seamlessly which will help you live a more fruitful life.
Classification of Food: Whole Foods vs Processed Foods
Before we delve into the advantages, it is extremely important to know the stark difference between whole foods and processed foods.
Whole Foods
Whole foods are the ingredients that are intact or with the least amount of modification done on them which means they remain as natural as possible. In most instances, these foods require little to no modifications before ingestion. Some of examples are:
Fresh fruits combined or mixed together with any fresh vegetables items.
Whole grains which can include whole oats, ingredients like brown rice and quinoa.
Types of legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and kidney beans.
Different varieties of nuts such as cashew nuts or hazel nuts and a variety of seeds.
Lean meat products such as fish, egg or chicken.
Processed Foods
Processed foods are the foods that have undergone several alterations so that they can best fit the cooking requirements. These changes can also mean the introduction of chemical compounds such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and sugar. Some notable examples that fit this description include:
Snacking that has been pre-packaged which includes products such as cookies, biscuits, and crackers.
No-cook spaghetti’s.
A variety of canned beverages inclusive of soda.
Frozen meals in a bag.
Breakfast today has modified sugary cereals in it.
On a broad level, foods such as olive oil and frozen vegetables can be classified as minimally processed but on the other end extremely processed items have lost their nutritional value and will only have artificial taste enhancers.
Nutritional Value: Whole Foods vs. Processed Foods
Nutritional wise, there is a stark difference between whole food and processed food. The items are broken down as follows:
Whole Foods
Higher in Nutrients
Whole foods are rich in vitamins and other important minerals, these composites prevent oxidative processes, oxidation would further strip away nutrients contained in processed foods.
Rich in Fiber
The base food items of various diets such as fruits, vegetables or whole grain products are natural internal sources of fibers which improves digestion and the body’s blood sugar level.
No Added Sugars and Sodium Addiction:
Whole foods contain little sugar and salt than processed foods.
Processed foods
Nutrient Undernourished:
Processed foods are typically low in nutrition, because the natural nutrients are eliminated by application of extreme heat during cooking and the use of preservatives.
Additives over dose:
Processed foods are more about flavor than health due to the use of artificial flavors, sweeteners and chemicals.
Calorie Rich, Satiety Poor:
The high-calorie, low-satiety phenomenon when eating processed foods results in weight gain as overeating would be the only option.
The nutrition provided by whole foods can rejuvenate one’s body and prevent aging.
Effects on Health and Aging
Whether in positive or negative. All forms of food impact the aging characteristics of the body. Let’s see the influence when whole and processed foods are consumed as you grow older.
Whole Foods Make you Healthy and Younger
Lifespan Extension:
Higher consumption of whole foods – Mediterranean diet, for instance – is correlated with extended lifespan more times than not.
Lowered chances of Multiple Illnesses:
Increased intakes of whole foods could minimize chances of heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer due to the nutritional value of whole foods.
Inhibition of Inflammation:
The anti-inflammation properties of most whole foods, such as berries and fatty fish, assist in fighting off arthritis and peoples wrinkles.
Processed foods have negative improvements when it comes to human life expectancy.
Cellular Ageing:
Processed food has sugar and unhealthy fats, which are said to accelerate oxidative stress and cellular damage, which ultimately leads to speed up the life turnover of cells.
Weakened Immunity:
Food that goes through heavy processes is often stripped of essential nutrients, that have the capability of making the human body capable of fighting infections, so a person consuming such food only has partial resistance to different illnesses.
Poor Health
The use of processed foods excludes fruits and vegetables leading to increased chances of obesity, elevated blood pressure and weakened bones, all of which effect overall longevity.
Skin Benefits
It isn’t new that what a person eats correlates with their skin health, and one food type that has been proven to solve many skin issues are whole foods.
Notable mentions:
Avocado:
This fruit has healthy fats, vitamins E and C which are known to maintain skin elasticity and hydration, and so it’s strong in promoting good skin health.
Berries:
Without mentioning berries, entire topic of skin benefits does wouldn’t stand in place as Berries: (blueberries and strawberries) are rich in antioxidants and protect skin from free radicals, which cause premature wrinkles.
Sweet Potatoes:
Having beta-carotene, sweet potatoes are able to handle sun rays to a certain extent all while improving one’s skin complexion.
Green Tea:
Although it isn’t a food, green tea deserves an honorable mention. With it being rich in catechins, this drink has the ability to support clear and vibrant skin.
Fatty Fish (e.g. salmon): Omega-3 Speckled fish foods reduce skin inflammation while also keeping it hydrated.
On the contrary, processed foods started the inflammation of acne, damp course of skin, and drastically increased the total wrinkling surface of the skin. To cite, sugary edibles have the tendency to disintegrate collagen resulting in the development of anteriorly located wrinkles.
Adopting a Whole Foods Lifestyle Approach
Learning how to become whole food constitutes a complete switch should not be too challenging. There are some simple guides that can be applied.
Take it Step by Step.
Start by substituting one refined food product in your meal with a compliant one. For example, add nut butter and fruits to oatmeal and use it instead of sweetened cereals or even sugar for that matter.
Only Have The Essentials
In order to prepare the meal and avoid the processed type ingredients one can create a shopping list and prepare foods that entail all the aforementioned ingredients.
Avoid Chained Restaurants
New fast food chains and restaurants serving french fries chicken with the use of creamy sauces can be avoided as they tend to have processed food ingredients.
Eat Whole Foods
Instead of chips or refined snacks whole or sliced carrots or unsalted almonds can be served instead all while avoiding sugar.
Be Realistic
Even in the most ideal situations, processed foods with preservatives will still exist but you can at least try to bite a handful of them. These options are the best choices, there are more preserved options with richer macronutrients. It would take some time, but in the end those folded options would seem less thrilling.
In pursuit of a happier and healthier life, Whole Foods is the answer you seek. Whole foods, or more commonly referred to as unrefined or unprocessed foods are not only something you choose to eat, they are something that will shift your lifestyle, improve the enhancement of your skin, and increase your quality of living. They supply needed nutrients to your cells, replenish aging cells, and renew mature cover cells of your skin – things processed food does not.And if you have alike struggles opt for Whole Foods, you’re certain to come out on the other side with the desired results.
If you have enjoyed this guide and found it helpful don’t hesitate to leave your favorite whole foods recipes in the comments, and also ask whatever query you have that will help in aiding the use of whole foods in daily recipes. Do not forget to subscribe to our blog as well, as we post more on health, nutrition and skincare.
Your beauty and good health starts with the food you consume on daily basis, so be wise while choosing what to put on your plate as this wisdom will remain with you for a long time.
