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The National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control stress the importance of good nutrition for overall good health and wellness, particularly as we age. Although eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is essential for preventing a wide variety of illnesses and diseases, good nutrition has an impact on nearly every aspect of your life.

Food is fuel, and nutritious food fuels your body’s systems and increases your energy level. Because your organs depend on healthy food for proper functioning, a well-balanced diet optimizes brain function, increasing your alertness and improving memory and processing.

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for preventing disease and keeping your bones and joints in good condition. A healthy diet, paired with regular physical activity, helps keep you trim to promote overall wellness.

As we age, digestion problems become more common. Consuming whole grains, fruits, and vegetables ensures you’re getting enough fiber, and it promotes overall good digestion. A nutritious diet should also include plenty of water to keep things moving.

Healthy food goes a long way toward improving your overall mood. Foods high in fat and sugar leave you feeling sluggish and can impact your sense of wellbeing. Your brain doesn’t operate optimally without the right fuel, and good nutrition has a major impact on brain function, affecting your mood and emotional wellness.

Making small but meaningful changes in your diet leads to healthier eating habits as a long-term lifestyle choice. Drink more water, and buy more whole foods and fewer processed items. Sneak in extra fruits and vegetables wherever you can, and choose lean cuts of meat. Enjoying your food is important, so try experimenting with herbs and spices, which also pack a nutritional punch. Most of all, stay mindful of what you’re putting in your body, and make healthy choices whenever you can.