We all know that a healthy diet requires a balance of proteins, complex carbs, healthy fats, loads of fruits & veggies, whole grains, and dairy products. But it is no secret that men and women have diverse nutritional needs and thus should follow different dietary guidelines.
Women's daily nutritional requirements include calorie intake, which helps maintain the energy level to perform physical and mental activities. In addition, proteins build muscle, repair tissues, and provide energy throughout the day and calcium for healthy bones. All this plays a crucial role in ensuring good health.
Healthy Eating for Women
Like kids' nutritional needs, women of all age groups need a well-balanced diet that includes essential nutrients for good health. However, there are a few key differences that women should be aware of regarding their diet. For example, iron and calcium are essential for women of all ages. So, let us discuss the other vital nutrients required for a woman's body to be effectively functional.
A healthy diet is a key to good health, and there are some specific foods that women should make sure to include in their diet to promote overall health. Here are a few daily foods for women's health. You can also consider including antioxidant-rich foods and nutrient-dense superfoods for other health benefits.
Important Nutrients for Women
All women need every vital nutrient to maintain a healthy and functional system. In addition to the three significant essential nutrients, calcium, iron and folate, women also need to get enough protein, carbs, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in their daily diet.
Iron
Iron, a vital mineral and a major component of hemoglobin is a protein required to transport oxygen in the blood. An adequate amount of iron plays a crucial role in energy production, blood production, and a better immunity system. Moreover, women need more iron intake than men to make up for the blood amount lost during the menstrual period.
Also, insufficient iron can lead to anemia, one of the common health concerns in women. Iron-rich foods include red meat, dark leafy greens, beans, legumes, pumpkinseeds, quinoa, etc. Include these foods in your diet to maintain iron level sand prevent health problems.
Calcium
There is no getting around it -women need calcium. A calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, where bones become brittle and more likely to break. And while you might think that osteoporosis is only a problem for older women, that is not the case.
Peak bone mass (the maximum amount of bone tissue a person has during their life) grows until the late 20s, so young women need to get enough calcium to help prevent problems later on. Calcium-rich foods include cheese, yoghurt, leafy greens, milk, figs, soybean, almonds, etc.
Folate
We know women's bodies are constantly changing. And during these changes, we need to make sure we are getting the proper nutrients to support our health. For example, folate (vitamin B9) is one of the essential nutrients required in red blood cell formation and to make new healthy cells.
So, including folate-rich foods for women is very crucial for everyday diet. This might include leafy green vegetables, fruits, fruit juices, beans, nuts, fortified cereals, and eggs.
Vitamins
Vitamins B12
An essential vitamin is present in dairy, meat, fish, eggs, cheese, tofu, low-fat dairy, etc. This powerhouse helps the body make red blood cells, maintain healthy nerve cells, and produce DNA. Ensure enough vitamin B12because the deficiency can lead to anemia and can affect physical and mental health.
Vitamin D
Soaking up in the sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, which helps build strong bones, reduces cell inflammation, and makes a better immune system. Get proper vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, mushrooms, milk, orange juice, whole eggs, tofu, soy milk, red meat, etc.
Protein
Protein is one of the essential nutrients for the human body to maintain a healthy weight, energy levels, and immunity. It consists of keratin, which is overall good for hair, nails, and skin.
Besides this, protein helps in muscle mass and physical strength, though daily protein may vary from person to person. You can have both animal and plant-based protein in your daily diet. Some examples vegan diet for protein are- Tofu, edamame, lentils, chickpeas, peanuts, almonds, quinoa, legumes, meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products.
Other Essential Nutrients
Other than these, one needs essential vitamins and minerals for good health, such as vitamins A, C, and E. Each has specific benefits and is necessary for all bodily. But these may vary depending on age and health conditions. The key is to eat right for various physical, mental, and hormonal changes, and that is why there are some vitamins and minerals that women need more than men.
A Healthy Lifestyle Is Important
Enough exercise, sleep, and meditation are essential for women's health. Exercise helps keep the bones and muscles strong, improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Sleep is necessary for physical and mental wellbeing, and meditation can help to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
However, finding the time to fit all three into our busy schedules can be challenging. Therefore, set aside sometime each day for yourself and follow a routine for a healthier you. If you cannot make it to the gym, go for a run or do a home workout. Just make sure you get moving!