essay benefits of a healthy lifestyle

Benefits of Healthy Lifestyle

If you’re about to write a “benefits of a healthy lifestyle” essay, make sure to check out our sample below! Here, you’ll get some ideas for your “benefits of a healthy lifestyle” essay. 

Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle: Essay Introduction

Choice of lifestyle, short and long term health benefits, benefits of a healthy lifestyle: essay conclusion, reference list.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as ‘A complete state of mental, physical and social well-being not merely the absence of disease.’ Physical fitness is one area of my lifestyle that I currently fail to meet this organization’s guidelines.

WHO’s guidelines recommend physical activity for all ages. In my bracket (18-64), it is recommended that I do a minimum of 150 minutes weekly of moderate-intensity aerobics in bouts of at least 10 minutes. Muscle strengthening undertakings should also be carried out at least twice a week.

It is in addition to leisure time and physical activities such as walking, hiking, swimming, and gardening. A healthy balanced diet should accompany it (Greenberg et al., 2004). An analysis of my routine depicts that I fall short of following these guidelines. As such, I have resolved to adopt a different lifestyle to enhance my physical well-being.

My new choice of lifestyle will entail healthy eating and increased physical exercise. Eating a healthy diet will be necessary for weight management and improvement of the quality of life, especially during my old age. Using scientific data to determine the amount of calories accrued from each food type, I can regulate my intake to ensure I only take the nutritionally recommended portions.

Nutritionists state that eating more fruits and cereals is vital in providing vitamins and minerals. Vitamins contribute to the functioning of various body processes. These include in-tissue growth, antioxidants, and mediating cellular regulation. They facilitate chemical reactions in the body cells by functioning as cofactors in enzymatic pathways.

Such other vitamins as biotin are essential in the formation of fatty acids. I also intend to lower my fat intake (Richards, 2009). In response, I will adopt only skim milk and fat-free yogurt and shift from full-fat salad dressing to non-fat alternatives. It is because fat has twice as much the number of calories as protein or carbohydrate sources.

Furthermore, fats raise cholesterol levels in the blood, increasing the risk of pulmonary disorders. Taking appropriate ratios of carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals such as potassium, iron, and calcium and taking the recommended daily water intake, my health will be on the way to recovery through losing unnecessary fat deposits (Winson, 2010).

Adopting a well-informed physical exercise program is another part of my healthy lifestyle change. Engaging in constant physical activity is known to burn calories. It, in turn, reduces the risk of accumulating excess energy trapped by adipose tissue in the body. It is essential in the regulation of body weight.

Physical activity also promotes the uptake of high-density lipoprotein, or the “good” cholesterol, while decreasing the uptake of the low-density cholesterol form known to be responsible for increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other disorders, including stroke, diabetes, cancer, and depression.

Regular physical activity also improves muscle strength and increases endurance. It is in addition to enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery into body tissues. It significantly boosts the performance of the cardiovascular system enabling it to work efficiently (Hu et al., 2011). Therefore, I will reap all these benefits and lose weight by adopting this new lifestyle.

The benefits accrued from adopting a healthy lifestyle are numerous. In general terms, a nutritious diet and regular exercise contribute immensely to improving the quality of life. According to medical and nutrition professionals, proper nutrition helps curb the accumulation of unhealthy body fat and cholesterol. The appropriate diet will also reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disorders.

The reason is that the diet provides all the necessary elements for health maintenance (Thomson et al., 2011). Conversely, exercise reduces the chance of premature death from disorders related to inactive lifestyles.

By increasing the level of high-density cholesterol, exercise will minimize the risk of coronary and other related health complications. Regular exercise increases bone density in the long run, which is vital in preventing osteoporosis. It also enhances general body composition by maintaining acceptable limits of tissue-to-body fat ratio, thus discouraging overweight and obesity (Chodzko-Zajko et al., 2009).

The importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle cannot be overemphasized. The benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle are numerous, with overall improving the quality of life. The WHO’s description of health as the absolute harmony among physical, mental, and social life components and not necessarily the absence of disease indicates that a healthy lifestyle is essential.

However, the simplicity with which this can be achieved depends solely on the individual. One can effectively lead a healthy lifestyle by adopting healthy nutrition, physical exercises, adequate rest, stress management, and high self-esteem. It has informed my decision to change my lifestyle to lose weight and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Chodzko-Zajko, et al, 2009, ‘Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults’, Medicine & Science In Sports & Exercise , 41, 7, pp. 1510-1530.

Greenberg JS, Dintiman GB, & Oakes BM, 2004, Physical Fitness and Wellness: Changing the Way You Look, Feel, and Perform. Champaign, Ill: Human Kinetics .

Hu F, Liu Y, & Willett W, 2011, ‘Preventing chronic diseases by promoting healthy diet and lifestyle: public policy implications for China’, Obesity Reviews , 12, 7, pp. 552-559.

Richards S, 2009, ‘The building blocks of a healthy diet’, Practice Nurse , 38, 3, pp. 12-17.

Thomson J, et al, 2011, ‘A Simulation Study of the Potential Effects of Healthy Food and Beverage Substitutions on Diet Quality and Total Energy Intake in Lower Mississippi Delta Adults’, Journal Of Nutrition, 141, 12, pp. 2191-2197.

Winson A, 2010, ‘The Demand for Healthy Eating: Supporting a Transformative Food ‘Movement”, Rural Sociology , 75, 4, pp. 584-600

Cite this paper

• Chicago (N-B)
• Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2020, January 14). Benefits of Healthy Lifestyle. https://studycorgi.com/benefits-of-healthy-lifestyle/

"Benefits of Healthy Lifestyle." StudyCorgi , 14 Jan. 2020, studycorgi.com/benefits-of-healthy-lifestyle/.

StudyCorgi . (2020) 'Benefits of Healthy Lifestyle'. 14 January.

1. StudyCorgi . "Benefits of Healthy Lifestyle." January 14, 2020. https://studycorgi.com/benefits-of-healthy-lifestyle/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "Benefits of Healthy Lifestyle." January 14, 2020. https://studycorgi.com/benefits-of-healthy-lifestyle/.

StudyCorgi . 2020. "Benefits of Healthy Lifestyle." January 14, 2020. https://studycorgi.com/benefits-of-healthy-lifestyle/.

This paper, “Benefits of Healthy Lifestyle”, was written and voluntary submitted to our free essay database by a straight-A student. Please ensure you properly reference the paper if you're using it to write your assignment.

Before publication, the StudyCorgi editorial team proofread and checked the paper to make sure it meets the highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, fact accuracy, copyright issues, and inclusive language. Last updated: November 9, 2023 .

If you are the author of this paper and no longer wish to have it published on StudyCorgi, request the removal . Please use the “ Donate your paper ” form to submit an essay.

Talk to our experts

1800-120-456-456

• Healthy Lifestyle Essay

Essay on Healthy Lifestyle

The top secret of being physically fit is adopting a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, taking good care of self, healthy sleep habits, and having a physically active daily routine. Lifestyle is the most prevailing factor that affects one’s fitness level. A person leading a sedentary lifestyle has a low fitness level whereas living a healthier life not only makes a person fit but also extends life. Good health has a direct impact on our personality. A person with a good and healthy lifestyle is generally more confident, self-assured, sociable, and energetic.

A good and healthy lifestyle allows one to relish and savor all the pleasures in life without any complications. Even all the wealth is less valuable when compared to sound health. Having all the luxuries in the world does not fulfill its purpose when one is continuously ill, depressed, or suffering from a significant health complication. A healthy person has a clear and calm perception of everything without prejudice. His actions and decisions are more practical and logical and are hence more successful in life.

A good habit is a key factor for a healthy lifestyle. To maintain a stable body and mind, one needs to inculcate good habits. Waking up early in the morning, regularly exercising or a good morning walk helps to keep our body energetic and refresh our mind. Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet throughout the day is vital for maintaining a good lifestyle. Too much indulgence in alcohol or smoking excessively is not at all appropriate for a healthy lifestyle.

Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is important for maintaining a good lifestyle. When we are self-disciplined then we are more organized and regular in maintaining good health. A disciplined life is a regulated life. A man without discipline is a ship without a rudder. Discipline needs self-control. One who cannot control himself can seldom control others. The level of discipline and perseverance largely determines a person’s success. Self-discipline is the act of disciplining one’s own feelings, desires, etc. especially with the intention of improving oneself. It strengthens our willpower. The stronger our will power the positive will be our decision. It enables us to conquer our own self.

Punctuality

Punctuality is the habit of doing things on time. It is the characteristic of every successful person and everyone must observe punctuality in order to win success in life. Punctuality is necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It should become a habit with us. A punctual person is able to fulfill all his responsibilities and hence is treated with respect in society. It is needed in every walk of life.

Diet is an important component for overall fitness and works best in combination with exercise. A balanced diet and exercise regularly help to maintain good health. It is necessary to reduce weight if one is overweight or obese, failing which one cannot be physically fit for long. For people with obesity, more exercise and a strict regime are necessary, preferably under guidance. There are many ways of making the diet healthier.

Use less sugar and salt while cooking food.

Use less oil while cooking. Avoid deep-frying as much as possible. 

Eat more fruits daily. They provide more vitamins and minerals to our bodies.

Add sprouts of gram and moong dal to at least one meal in a day. Add fiber to your diet. Use whole grains instead of polished cereals. Eat lots of salad and yogurt.

Eat fermented food regularly. Fermented food contains many useful bacteria that help in the process of digestion.

Prevention of Lifestyle Diseases

By adopting a healthy lifestyle one can avoid lifestyle diseases. The following are some ways in which we can prevent lifestyle diseases.

Eat a balanced diet that contains important nutrients. One must include more fresh fruits and green vegetables in the diet. Refrain from eating junk food. Stay away from foods that contain large amounts of salt or sugar.

Exercise regularly. Spend more time outdoors and do activities such as walking, running, swimming, and cycling.

One must avoid overindulgence in alcohol, junk food, smoking, and addiction to drugs and medicines.

Avoid spending too much on modern gadgets like mobile phones, laptops, televisions, etc. Spend time on these gadgets for short intervals of time only.

Set a healthy sleeping routine for every day. Waking early in the morning and going to bed early at night should be a daily habit. Lead an active life.

Unhealthy Lifestyle

Bad food habits and an unhealthy lifestyle such as less or no physical activity may lead to several diseases like obesity, high blood pressure or hypertension, diabetes, anemia, and various heart diseases. An unhealthy lifestyle reduces productivity and creativity in a person. It also adversely affects moods and relationships. It leads to depression and anxiety in human beings.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle not only makes a person confident and productive but also drives him to success. A person with a healthy lifestyle will enjoy both personal and social life.

FAQs on Healthy Lifestyle Essay

What Do You Understand about a Healthy Lifestyle?

A healthy lifestyle is a lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, taking good care of self, healthy sleep habits and having a physically active daily routine.

How is Punctuality Important for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle?

Punctuality is the habit of doing things on time. It is the characteristic of every successful person and everyone must observe punctuality in order to win success in life. It should become a habit with us. A punctual person is able to fulfil all his responsibilities and hence is treated with respect in society. It is needed in every walk of life.

What Happens When One Does Not Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle?

When one does not maintain a healthy lifestyle then several diseases like obesity, high blood pressure or hypertension, diabetes, anaemia and various heart diseases can occur. An unhealthy lifestyle reduces productivity and creativity in a person. It also adversely affects moods and relationships. It leads to depression and anxiety in human beings.

What are the Main Factors that Determine a Good and Healthy Lifestyle?

In order to maintain a good and healthy lifestyle, one must be self-disciplined, self-motivated, maintain punctuality and have good habits like waking early in the morning and maintain a regular fitness regime and a balanced and nutritious diet.

Is writing an essay hard?

Essay writing is a difficult task that needs a great deal of study, time, and focus. It's also an assignment that you can divide down into manageable chunks such as introduction, main content, and conclusion. Breaking down and focusing on each individually makes essay writing more pleasant. It's natural for students to be concerned about writing an essay. It's one of the most difficult tasks to do, especially for people who aren't confident in their writing abilities. While writing a decent essay is difficult, the secret to being proficient at it is reading a lot of books, conducting extensive research on essential topics, and practicing essay writing diligently.

Why is it important for one to aspire to have a healthy lifestyle?

A healthy lifestyle is an important way for reducing the occurrence and impact of health problems, as well as for recovery, coping with life stressors, and improving the overall quality of life. An increasing collection of scientific data suggests that our habits have a significant impact on our health. Everything we eat and drink, as well as how much exercise we get and whether we smoke or use drugs, has an impact on our health, not just in terms of life expectancy but also in terms of how long we may expect to live without developing chronic illness. A large proportion of fatalities are caused by conditions such as heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, joint disease, and mental illness. A healthy lifestyle can help to avoid or at least delay the onset of many health issues.

How to download the Essay on Healthy Lifestyle from the Vedantu website?

The Essay on Healthy Lifestyle, which is accurate and well-structured, is available for download on the Vedantu website. The Essay is accessible in PDF format on Vedantu's official website and may be downloaded for free. Students should download the Essay on Healthy Lifestyle from the Vedantu website to obtain a sense of the word limit, sentence structure, and fundamental grasp of what makes a successful essay. Vedantu essay is brief and appropriate for youngsters in school. It is written in basic English, which is ideal for kids who have a restricted vocabulary. Following the Vedantu essay ensures that students are adequately prepared for any essay subject and that they will receive high grades. Click here to read the essay about a healthy lifestyle.

Who prepares the Essay for Vedantu?

The Essay on Healthy Lifestyle designed for the Vedantu is created by a group of experts and experienced teachers. The panel of experts has created the essay after analyzing important essay topics that have been repeatedly asked in various examinations. The Essays that are provided by Vedantu are not only well-structured but also accurate and concise. They are aptly suited for young students with limited vocabulary. For best results, the students are advised to go through multiple essays and practice the topics on their own to inculcate the habits of time management and speed.

What constitutes a healthy lifestyle?

Healthy life is built on the pillars of a good diet, frequent exercise, and appropriate sleep. A healthy lifestyle keeps people in excellent shape, it also gives you more energy throughout the day, and lowers your chance of developing many diet-related chronic diseases. Healthy living is considered a lifestyle choice that allows you to enjoy more elements of your life. Taking care of one's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is part of living a healthy lifestyle.

Good Nutrition, Eating Right and proper diet.

Getting Physically Fit, Beneficial Exercise and working out often.

Adequate rest and uninterrupted sleep.

Proper Stress Management.

Self-Supportive Attitudes.

Positive Thoughts are encouraged.

Positive Self-Image and body image.

Inner Calmness and peace.

Openness to Your Creativity and Self-care.

Trust in Your Inner Knowing and your gut feeling.

Essay on Healthy Lifestyle for Students and Children

500+ Words Essay on Healthy Lifestyle

It is said that it is easy to learn and maintain bad habits but it is very difficult to switch them back. The issue of a healthy lifestyle is very serious but the people take it very lightly. Often, it is seen that the people take steps to improve their lifestyle but due to lack of determination quits in the midway.

Moreover, for a healthy lifestyle is it important that you take small and one-step at a time. Also, do not go overboard with it. Besides, this healthy lifestyle will help you in life in a lot of ways.

Habits That Keeps You Healthy

For keeping your body and mind healthy you have to follow certain rules that will help you achieve your goal. Besides, there are certain measures that will help you to stay healthy.

First of all, for being healthy you have to plan and follow a strict diet. This diet should contain all the essential minerals and vitamins required by the body. Also, eat only healthy food and avoid junk and heavily carbohydrate and fatty food.

In addition, wake up early in the morning because first of all, it’s a healthy habit. Secondly, waking up early means you can get ready for your work early, spend some quality time with your family. Besides, this decides time for your sleep and sleep early because it de-stresses body.

Doing exercise regularly makes your body more active and it also releases the pent-up stress from the muscles.

Avoid the mobile- the biggest drawback of this generation is that they are obsessed with their mobile phones. Moreover, these phones cause many physical and mental problem for them. So, to avoid the negative effects of mobile the usage volume of them should be reduced.

Connecting with positive minds because the more you indulge with these people then less you will go to the negative side.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

The things that should be avoided for a healthy lifestyle

We knew that there are several bad habits that affect our healthy lifestyle. These habits can cause much harm to not only to the body but to the society too. In addition, these habits are also the cause of many evils of society. The major healthy lifestyle destroying habits are smoking, drinking, junk food, addiction , meal skipping, and overuse of pills.

All these activities severely damage body parts and organs which cannot be replaced easily. Besides, they not only cause physical damage but mental damage too.

Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle has many benefits not only for the body but for the mind too. Also, if you follow a healthy lifestyle then you can reduce the risk of having cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis.

To sum it up, we can say that there are various benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. Also, a healthy lifestyle has many benefits to your social as well as personal life. Besides, it improves the relationships in the family. Most importantly, the person who lives a healthy lifestyle lives longer as compared to those who do not.

FAQs on Healthy Lifestyle

Q.1 Give some tips to live a healthy lifestyle. A.1 Some tips for staying healthy are eating a balanced diet, maintain weight, having enough sleep, sleep early and wake up early, use mobile lesser, etc.

Q.2 What is good health? A.2 Good health means freedom from sickness and diseases. It is a costly gift of nature to us for living a purposeful life. Also, good health means that we can do more work than our capacity without getting tired.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

• Travelling Essay
• Picnic Essay
• Our Country Essay
• My Parents Essay
• Essay on Favourite Personality
• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
• Essay on Knowledge is Power
• Essay on Gurpurab
• Essay on My Favourite Season
• Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

• All Access Pass
• PLR Articles
• PLR Courses
• PLR Social Media

Grab Our Free eBook to Learn How to Grow Your Wellness Business Exponentially!

What is a healthy lifestyle (a definition), healthy lifestyle benefits.

Opposite of A Healthy Lifestyle

• Binge-eating or overeating
• Unhealthy caloric restrictions
• Consuming processed foods and beverages
• Heavy drinking
• Using drugs
• Poor hygiene
• Lack of physical activity
• Lack of adequate sleep
• Spending too much time on social media or watching TV
• Risky sexual behaviors
• Skipping routine medical and dental checkups

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

• Eating whole foods instead of processed foods
• Eating mindfully and thoughtfully
• Avoiding substances of abuse
• Being physically active 
• Getting adequate sleep
• Good hygiene habits
• Practicing safe sex
• Prioritizing medical and mental care needs

Making Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Building Healthy Lifestyle Habits

How to have a healthy lifestyle, video: how to build healthy habits without dieting.

Exercises for A Healthy Lifestyle

• Walking briskly 
• Water aerobics
• Riding a bicycle (slow)
• Tennis (doubles)
• Washing your car
• Raking leaves
• Cleaning activities (vacuuming, mopping, etc.)
• Hiking uphill
• Jumping rope
• Swimming laps
• Riding a bicycle (fast)
• Farming activities
• Tennis (singles)
• Shoveling snow
• Basketball, hockey, soccer, and other running-based sports
• Martial arts

Diet for A Healthy Lifestyle

Video: healthy lifestyle - the ideal diet for humans ​.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips

Quotes about a healthy lifestyle.

• “It is health that is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver.” – Mahatma Gandhi
• “To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” – Buddha
• “Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.” – Plato
• “The groundwork for all happiness is good health.” – Leigh Hunt
• “The greatest wealth is health.” – Virgil
• “The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.” – Ann Wigmore

Articles Related to Healthy Lifestyle

• Live Healthier: How to Create a Healthy Lifestyle
• 60 Products to Buy for a Healthy Body, Mind, and Home ​
• Nutrition: Definition, Benefits, & Facts
• High Fiber Foods: Examples, Benefits, & List​
• Healthy Snacks: Easy Ideas For Kids & Adults

Books Related to Healthy Lifestyle​

• Eat. Sleep. Move. Breath: The Beginner’s Guide to Living A Healthy Lifestyle
• Mini Habits for Weight Loss: Stop Dieting. Form New Habits. Change Your Lifestyle Without Suffering.
• ​How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease

Final Thoughts on A Healthy Lifestyle

Don't forget to grab our free ebook to learn how to grow your wellness business exponentially.

• American Heart Association. (2022). American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids .  
• Bowden Davies, K. A., Pickles, S., Sprung, V. S., Kemp, G. J., Alam, U., Moore, D. R., ... & Cuthbertson, D. J. (2019). Reduced physical activity in young and older adults: metabolic and musculoskeletal implications . Therapeutic advances in endocrinology and metabolism , 10 , 2042018819888824.
• Cockerham, W. C. (2021). Health lifestyles: bringing structure back . The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Medical Sociology , 150-170.
• Li, Y., Pan, A., Wang, D. D., Liu, X., Dhana, K., Franco, O. H., ... & Hu, F. B. (2018). Impact of healthy lifestyle factors on life expectancies in the US population . Circulation, 138(4), 345-355.
• Loef, M., & Walach, H. (2012). The combined effects of healthy lifestyle behaviors on all cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis . Preventive medicine, 55(3), 163-170.
• MacIntosh, B. R., Murias, J. M., Keir, D. A., & Weir, J. M. (2021). What Is Moderate to Vigorous Exercise Intensity? . Frontiers in Physiology, 1481.
• NHLBI. (2022). Healthy Eating Plan .  Retrieved 14 March 2022.
• Visser, M., Wijnhoven, H. A., Comijs, H. C., Thomése, F. G., Twisk, J. W., & Deeg, D. J. (2019). A healthy lifestyle in old age and prospective change in four domains of functioning . Journal of aging and health, 31(7), 1297-1314.
• World Health Organization. (2010). Global recommendations on physical activity for health. World Health Organization Report. ​

Grab Our Free eBook to Learn How to Grow Your Wellness Business Fast!

• Happiness ​
• Stress Management
• Self-Confidence
• Manifestation
• ​ All Articles...
• All-Access Pass​
• ​​PLR Content Packages
• PLR Courses ​

English that goes straight to the heart

Benefits of Healthy Lifestyle Essay

Wealth matters, but, is not as important as health. Money is the source to carry on with a healthy life however good health is the source of living a happy and peaceful life.

“Benefits of Healthy Lifestyle Essay” will make you understand everything.

Daily Test - Attempt Now

Benefits of Healthy Lifestyle Essay (400+ Words)

A healthy lifestyle offers numerous benefits that contribute to an individual’s overall well-being and happiness. Here are some of the key benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle based on the provided content:

Enhanced Physical Health: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise and a balanced diet, improves physical health. It strengthens the immune system , reduces the risk of various diseases (such as heart problems and neurological disorders), and promotes longevity.

Increased Energy and Vitality: A healthy body functions optimally, resulting in increased energy levels and vitality. Physical activities, proper rest, and a nutritious diet contribute to improved stamina and productivity throughout the day.

Improved Mental Health: A healthy lifestyle positively impacts mental well-being. Regular exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. This promotes a positive attitude, mental clarity, and emotional resilience.

Positive Social Interactions: When individuals are healthy and energetic, they are more likely to engage in social activities and maintain meaningful relationships. Good physical and mental health enables individuals to participate actively in social events, bonding with others, and enjoy a fulfilling social life.

Enhanced Cognitive Abilities: A healthy lifestyle supports brain health and cognitive function. Adequate nutrition, regular exercise, and quality sleep contribute to improved memory, concentration, and overall cognitive performance. This leads to better academic or professional achievements and lifelong learning.

Financial Advantages: A healthy lifestyle can lead to financial benefits in various ways. Firstly, being healthy reduces medical expenses associated with treating illnesses or chronic conditions. Additionally, individuals with good health tend to be more productive, motivated, and focused, increasing their chances of professional success and financial stability.

Overall Life Satisfaction: Good health is a crucial factor in overall life satisfaction. By taking care of their physical and mental well-being, individuals experience greater contentment, happiness, and fulfillment. They can fully enjoy the wonders of life, pursue their goals, and overcome challenges with resilience.

Improved Quality of Life: A healthy lifestyle contributes to an improved quality of life in multiple aspects. It enables individuals to engage in activities they enjoy, maintain independence, and live life to the fullest. Good health allows for an active and vibrant life, filled with joy, adventure, and meaningful experiences.

In conclusion, adopting a healthy lifestyle offers a wide range of benefits that extend beyond physical well-being. It positively impacts mental health, social interactions, cognitive abilities, financial stability, overall life satisfaction, and quality of life. By prioritizing and nurturing their health, individuals can create a foundation for a happy, prosperous, and fulfilling life.

10 Famous Moral Stories

Read More »

How to Write a Report?

How to Write a letter to the Editor

Daily reading comprehension test - attempt now, discover more from english luv.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Essay on Importance of Healthy Lifestyle

Students are often asked to write an essay on Importance of Healthy Lifestyle in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Importance of Healthy Lifestyle

Introduction.

A healthy lifestyle is crucial for a good life. It helps us stay fit, energetic, and reduces the risk of diseases.

Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can improve our physical health, mental well-being, and add years to our life. It can prevent conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases.

Components of a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle includes balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and drinking.

In conclusion, a healthy lifestyle is vital for our overall well-being. It’s never too late to start living healthily.

250 Words Essay on Importance of Healthy Lifestyle

The imperative of a healthy lifestyle.

In the contemporary world, the significance of a healthy lifestyle cannot be overstated. The choices we make daily about what we eat, how much we exercise, and our sleep patterns profoundly impact our overall health and well-being.

Nutrition: The Cornerstone of Health

A balanced diet is fundamental to maintaining good health. Consuming nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, helps to strengthen the immune system and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. On the contrary, a diet high in processed foods and sugars can lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Physical Activity: A Pillar of Wellness

Regular physical activity is another crucial aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise enhances cardiovascular health, boosts mood, and improves cognitive function. It also aids in weight management and promotes better sleep. However, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to a host of health problems, including obesity and mental health disorders.

Sleep: The Forgotten Health Component

Adequate sleep is often overlooked in discussions about health, but it is as important as diet and exercise. Quality sleep helps in the body’s repair processes, enhances cognitive function, and improves mood. Conversely, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to serious health issues like heart disease and depression.

In conclusion, a healthy lifestyle is not a choice, but a necessity in today’s fast-paced world. The choices we make today about our diet, physical activity, and sleep patterns will determine our health outcomes in the future. Hence, it’s vital to adopt a healthy lifestyle for a prosperous and disease-free life.

500 Words Essay on Importance of Healthy Lifestyle

The imperative of adopting a healthy lifestyle.

In today’s fast-paced world, the significance of leading a healthy lifestyle is often undermined. However, the adoption of such a lifestyle is paramount to achieving physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This essay aims to shed light on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and its multifaceted benefits.

Physical Health and Longevity

A healthy lifestyle is integral to maintaining optimal physical health. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep are key components of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise strengthens the body, improves cardiovascular health, and boosts the immune system. A balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients, supports these physical improvements, aiding in everything from cell regeneration to energy production. Moreover, sufficient sleep helps the body repair and rejuvenate, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, one can significantly increase their lifespan and improve their quality of life.

Mental Health and Cognitive Function

The benefits of a healthy lifestyle extend beyond physical health, significantly impacting mental health and cognitive function. Regular physical activity has been linked to reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. It also promotes better sleep, which, in turn, can improve mood and concentration. A nutritious diet can also support brain health, with certain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids known to enhance cognitive function. Thus, a healthy lifestyle can serve as a powerful tool for mental health management and cognitive preservation.

Social and Emotional Well-being

A healthy lifestyle can also foster social and emotional well-being. Group exercises, sports, and outdoor activities provide opportunities for social interaction and community-building. These experiences can enhance one’s sense of belonging, boosting self-esteem and happiness. Additionally, the discipline and dedication required to maintain a healthy lifestyle can cultivate emotional resilience, helping individuals better manage life’s ups and downs.

Economic Impact

From an economic perspective, a healthy lifestyle can lead to reduced healthcare costs. Chronic diseases associated with unhealthy lifestyles often require long-term, costly treatment. By preventing these diseases, individuals can save significant healthcare expenses. Moreover, a healthy lifestyle can boost productivity, potentially leading to better job performance and increased earning potential.

In conclusion, the importance of a healthy lifestyle cannot be overstated. It is an investment that yields rich dividends in the form of improved physical health, enhanced mental well-being, social and emotional stability, and economic prosperity. As such, it is imperative that more emphasis be placed on promoting a healthy lifestyle, particularly among college students who are at a critical juncture in their life where lifelong habits are often formed. It is not just about adding years to life, but more importantly, adding life to years.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Healthy Lifestyle
• Essay on Unhealthy Lifestyle
• Essay on Fashion

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Home | Health | Healthy Lifestyle

Essays on Healthy Lifestyle

27 essay samples on this topic, essay examples, the importance of good health.

Healthy Lifestyle

Habits in Children Healthy Lifestyle Argumentative Essay

Healthy Food

Why Healthy Lifestyle is Important

What is healthy lifestyle, promoting healthy lifestyle.

Universal Health Care

8 Tips to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Health behaviors for a healthier lifestyle, 5 tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle with hectic schedule, how to start healthy lifestyle, healthy lifestyle of african americans scale.

African American

information

A healthy lifestyle is something that everyone dreams of. With every passing day, we are witnessing new technologies and facilities that contribute to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and everyone is trying to get it. We believe you want to write a healthy lifestyle essay by finding you here on our website. In that case, you have landed at the best place as you will get all kinds of relevant data and information from here. We have gathered the most authentic and relevant data here, which will assist you in writing any topic like how to live a healthy lifestyle essay. You are more than welcome to read all the sample essays related to this topic, and you can outline as per your requirements which will ultimately lead you to write a quality essay on healthy lifestyle. We also encourage you to keep yourself up-to-date about this topic and keep on uploading the updated content all the time.

Hi! Peter is on the line!

Don't settle for a cookie-cutter essay. Receive a tailored piece that meets your specific needs and requirements.

Healthy Lifestyle and Eating Essay

Healthy eating is the process of keeping the body clean, strong, and healthy at all times (Allen, 1926). Healthy living, on the other hand, means that one should be able to eat the right food, get enough exercise, and maintain cleanliness (James, 1907). Unfortunately, many people do not keep track of these requirements. Thus, they end up with serious health problems, which can be difficult to treat. Prevention of these problems can be accomplished through maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Such a lifestyle is achievable by eating the right food and adhering to all the requirements of healthy living.

The human body needs a balanced diet, which includes enough minerals, fats, vitamins, fiber, and carbohydrates (Albrecht, 1932). These substances are required by the body to facilitate the growth and functioning of body tissues. Low energy foods such as vegetables and fruits have small amounts of calories per unit volume of food. Therefore, it is advisable to eat this combination of foods in large volumes as it contains fewer calories, but has nutrients that are essential for optimal body functionality. Incidentally, one should take food that is free from unhealthy fats, but should ensure that whole grains and proteins go alongside fruits and vegetables.

Apart from choosing the best foods for the body, it is also advisable that people should maintain moderate quantities of food intake. For instance, it is prudent to eat less of unhealthy foods such as refined sugar and saturated fats and more of healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits. This pattern of eating has massive health benefits to its adherents. As such, people should strive to develop good eating habits that can sustain them throughout their lives.

Further, it is recommended that one should eat a heavy breakfast an hour after waking up. The breakfast needs to consist of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins in balanced proportions. It should then be followed by light meals throughout the day. This requirement is important since breakfast helps to initiate the body’s metabolism. The light and healthy meals thereafter help maintain a high body energy level that keeps one active throughout the day (Allen, 1926). People should avoid eating late at night. Early dinners are advisable followed by an average of 15 hours of no food until breakfast time the next morning. Past studies show that this pattern helps regulate body weight (James, 1907).

People who are diagnosed with lifestyle diseases such as anemia, high blood pressure, and diabetes among others are advised to follow diets that are rich in fruits and vegetable content (Allen, 1926). Depending on the stage of illness, such people should strictly watch what they eat. For example, high blood pressure patients should cut down on sodium, which is mainly found in salt. They should also avoid foods that have high cholesterol and saturated fats since diets of this sort prompt a high risk of artery clogging. Consequently, it increases the risk of heart attacks and blood vessel diseases (Albrecht, 1932). Further, they need to control the amount of carbohydrates they take.

Carbohydrates should only account for 50% of their daily calories (Allen, 1926). Finally, they are discouraged from foods with a high phosphorous content since they may lead to bone diseases (Allen, 1926). Overweight people constitute another special needs group. They should reduce weight to be healthy. Consequently, they need at least 30 minutes of rigorous physical exercise everyday and a lean diet.

In conclusion, all these groups of people should increase their water intake. Water is essential in the human body since it facilitates the regulation of all body functions. As such, it enhances body health. In this regard, people should strive to take at least eight glasses per day. Apparently, healthy living calls for discipline and commitment. If people foster these two values in the lifestyles, the world will be full of healthy people.

Albrecht, Arthur E. (1932). About foods and markets : A teachers’ handbook and consumers’ guide . New York City, NY: Columbia University. Web.

Allen, Ida C. (1926). Your foods and you or the role of diet . Garden City, NY: Doubleday Page & Company. Web.

James F. (1907). How we are fed: A geographical reader . New York, NY: Macmillan. Web.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, October 31). Healthy Lifestyle and Eating. https://ivypanda.com/essays/healthy-lifestyle-and-eating/

"Healthy Lifestyle and Eating." IvyPanda , 31 Oct. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/healthy-lifestyle-and-eating/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'Healthy Lifestyle and Eating'. 31 October.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Healthy Lifestyle and Eating." October 31, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/healthy-lifestyle-and-eating/.

1. IvyPanda . "Healthy Lifestyle and Eating." October 31, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/healthy-lifestyle-and-eating/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Healthy Lifestyle and Eating." October 31, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/healthy-lifestyle-and-eating/.

• Fats, Carbohydrates, and Proteins
• Saturated Fatty Acids and Coronary or Cardiovascular Disease
• Dietary Consumption: Strategies for Healthy Eating
• Carbohydrates: A Dietary Perspective
• Nutrition: A Day’s Dietary Intake of Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats
• Fats and Proteins in Relation to Type 2 Diabetes
• Analyzing Personal Diet and Intake Pattern
• School Breakfast Program for Children's Health
• The Concept of Carbohydrates
• Breakfast Effect on Child’s Work in School
• Diet and Nutrition: European Diabetes
• Obesity: the Public Health Challenge of Our Time
• Spoilage Device: Forget Expiration Dates
• "Salt, Sugar and Fat" a Book by Michael Moss
• Iron Deficiency Effects and Management

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Student Essays

Essays-Paragraphs-Speeches

Essay on Healthy Lifestyle – Importance & Benefits | For Students

Leave a Comment

A healthy lifestyle is the sum total of all internal and external things that a person follows in order to enjoy the benefits of a healthy living.

List of Topics

Some of the factors include; energy rich pure diet, balanced work & sleep patterns, daily exercises & plays etc.

The following essay has been written in that context, as to help children & students on topic healthy lifestyle, importance, benefits, steps how to maintain healthy living, for children & students.

Essay on healthy lifestyle – Importance & Benefits of Healthy Habits | Short & Long Essay For Students

Introduction

Healthy lifestyle means living such a life that includes all the ingredients necessary to live a balanced life. Healthy lifestyle has a lot of elements.

Modern man works round the clock and cares less about his life. This leads to a lot of problems in his life. A good health has number of advantages and has positive impact on the life of person.

Meaning & Importance of Healthy Lifestyle

Healthy lifestyle is very important for maintenance of life. It is not very difficult to live a healthy lifestyle. it just needs to follow the elements of healthy lifestyle.

It is crucial to eat healthy food for healthy life style. Balanced diet is only way to maintain one’s health. Balanced diet contains all the nutrients required for smooth working of our body.

It should include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and fibers. It is also important to take food with regularity.

Irregularity in food causes health issues. Balanced diet can save us from many diseases. It is one of the basic elements of healthy lifestyle.

Healthy lifestyle also requires adequate sleep. It is important to maintain sleep cycle which is of seven to eight hours.

Having adequate sleep keeps you healthy. One who does not maintain their sleep cycle is vulnerable to number of mental health problems.

Adequate sleep is very important for sound working of mind and body. One should not sleep too much or too less, because either can lead to fatigue.

It is very crucial to make exercise part of your life for healthy lifestyle. Exercise or sports keep you healthy and fit.

You can feel fresh and energetic after taking some light exercise. People of all age groups should spend some time for their fitness. Exercise plays a vital role to keep your body fit.

Mental health also plays a major role in healthy lifestyle. It is very important to maintain your mental health because depressed person cannot live a healthy life.

One should always think positive and be hopeful in all matters of life. Optimistic person always looks at the brighter side of life.

Hardships or troubles are part of life. One should face them manfully rather than getting stress or depressed.

Benefits Of Healthy Living Essay

Healthy lifestyle has a lot of benefits. it keeps you away from sickness. One can feel energetic throughout his life. Health is certainly the great wealt h and its importance can never be denied

According to WHO, man can increase their life span up to eleven years by following healthy lifestyle. It is very important to feel good in your present life and in future. Healthy lifestyle makes you live your life better and balanced in all ways.

How to stay healthy?

There is the great importance of health. There are also few things that we need to avoid to live a have peaceful and full of health life . we should avoid all the practices and habits that are harmful for us and also for people around us.

One should avoid junk food as these foods are not nutritious. It is also very important to stay away from alcohol, drugs, smoke etc.

We should not stress ourselves too much and try to be contented with life and its happenings. Over work can also be a hurdle in living a healthy lifestyle.

We all strive in our lives to live a healthy lifestyle as it is best way to live your life. We should follow all the elements of healthy style for success in life.

It is also important to encourage people to live healthy lifestyle free of all worries and full of pleasures and joys.

500+ Words Essay on Healthy Lifestyle For High School & College Level Students

Healthy lifestyle means a person who is not under any stress, who is not overweight and who has a well-maintained body.

The components of healthy lifestyle include having a good diet, regular exercise, mental peace and physical strength.

Having a good diet does not mean that a person should not eat sweet or fatty foods, it just means that he should keep in mind how certain foods will have effects on his body.

Importance of Healthy Lifestyle

Kids these days do not know the importance of healthy lifestyle. They prefer to stay inside and spend time on mobile rather than going out to play.

These dull habits become a part of their life and they become lazy. They lack proper discipline and determination to achieve any goal in life. People need to understand that a healthy lifestyle is very important to live a happier, peaceful and long life.

It is important to maintain healthy habits from a very young age. One of them is by doing regular exercise. Our body feels fresh after exercise. Exercise is an important factor which helps to release stress and prevent several diseases.

Now a days, people ignore their health and stay busy in workload. This leads to many diseases and health issues in the long run.

They do not realize the importance of health until they suffer health problems. They struggle with chronic diseases but these conditions can be improved with a healthy lifestyle.

Benefits & Need of Healthy Lifestyle

The countless benefits of a healthy lifestyle cannot be neglected.A healthy lifestyle helps to prevent many chronic diseases like heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.

It also helps to prevent the risk of developing cancer. It helps to live a longer, healthier and happier life. It enables a person to feel energetic throughout his life. It keeps one’s mind at peace.

Eating healthy helps to improve our strength, weight control, health and prevention of many diseases. Feeding our body the right amount of food can increase longevity of our life.

We will feel better to do everyday tasks. Our body will feel more energized and freer to move. When a person is fit, he performs activities of his daily life more confidently.

How to Stay healthy?

The first thing to maintain a healthy lifestyle is to maintain a proper diet. We should eat three meals a day and avoid skipping a meal.

An important thing to keep in mind is to have right amount of all food groups like carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins and fats. We should avoid unhealthy habits like eating junk food, smoking and alcohol.

Adding more fruits and vegetables in our diet is also important to stay healthy because eating healthy boosts our energy and gives us strength to get through the day.It is also important to exercise twenty to thirty minutes a day at least five times a week.

We should surround ourselves with positive energy. It is very important to have encouraging friends in life to provide us with constructive criticism to help us improve our personality.

Another way to live a healthy lifestyle is by getting enough sleep. It is important to sleep at least eight hours a day.If we follow these tips then there is nothing we cannot achieve in our life.

A person who lives a healthy lifestyle lives longer than the person who does not care about his body. That’s why it is believed that a healthy person is the true asset for society. We should strictly follow a healthy lifestyle routine to live a healthy life.

Related Posts:

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Benefits Of A Healthy Lifestyle Essay

Happiness is bestowed in a healthy lifestyle. The term 'healthy lifestyle' may sound arduous until you discover it by yourself. A healthy lifestyle undoubtedly gives a magical touch to your life. And what if this magic is created with the least possible effort? Yeah, you'll surely enjoy it. Adapting it is much easier and enjoyable than it seems. If not exaggeration, it is the only way of getting yourself out of this wrecked lifestyle. Let us now look into few easy steps which help in acquiring a healthy lifestyle. Just need to make small changes Nothing will come easily, but healthy living will. Healthy lifestyle may be projected as hectic task, but in reality all it takes is very few changes in your regular living. These small adjustments in your lifestyle may require you to forego few ailing habits, like laziness, drug or alcohol abuse, unhealthy food habits, sedentary lifestyle; and adapt few good habits such as, thinking positively, being dedicated, getting active, living natural, keeping clean and most importantly loving yourself. These small changes here and there in your existing lifestyle will definitely make a great difference. Exercise can make difference A healthy body is marked by active lifestyle. Nothing can make a body active the way exercise does. Sedentary lifestyle can take you nowhere. The only way you can make your body happy is by moving it. Exercise is known to strengthen your body, act as a stress buster and moreover it is the natural way of

Family Health History Paper

Some of the lifestyle habits that I have developed over the past few years to improve my health are maintaining a healthy diet, organizing my living and workspace, exercising at least five days per week, setting goals that assist me on the right path, reading nearly on a daily basis, to socialize with people that create a positive influence on my lifestyle, play music for a brief amount of time in times of stress, contribute to helping communities in need, avoiding excessive entertainment, positive self talk and belief development, daily meditation, getting healthy amount of rest, provide myself with a source of motivation on a daily basis, and having a personal mentor. Furthermore, all of the lifestyle habits that I have stated in this summary are habits that I attempt follow on a daily basis to protect my physical and mental health. This helps me avoid the risk of developing any of the physical and mental diseases and disorders that run within my family

Healthy Lifestyle Essay

In conclusion, living a healthy lifestyle takes time and effort however it is achievable once you start. A healthy lifestyle includes understanding the important and healthy foods that you should eat as well as exercising and being active daily. Once you live a healthier lifestyle the quality of life that you will live will be better and more enjoyable and you will be able to even live longer with less

Salo Tribe Community Health

To me health is obtained through daily nutritional intake, a well nourished, and a state of mind with controlled levels of stress. In order to maintain your health I feel that it requires a constant effort on a daily basis. It is important to allow time in your schedule to incorporate

Dingoes Research Paper

There is many program which provide you a healthy life and getting for this they also present a Health and Fitness Program. You have to take some little steps which help to improve you and

Health Promotion Essay

The purpose of this essay is to look at dementia in details and get a clear understanding of the level at which this condition affects the society and how it raises public health concern. According to the NHS Choices (2010), Dementia is said to be a condition that carries a group of related symptoms, associated with an ongoing decline in the performance of the brain and its abilities. This condition affects the individual’s memory, thinking, language, and understanding together with judgment abilities. Therefore this essay will be analysing concerns, targets and health promotion initiatives by the government regarding dementia.

Walmart Academic Scholarship

By balancing a healthy diet and cutting out fatty foods or making small changes to your daily health can make a big impact. Even attempting and putting in a little bit of effort towards training your body can be rewarding. Being healthy can be a way for young adult to learn discipline whilst also caring for their body. By balancing the right amount of exercise and the right diet can increase the quality of life and also the duration. It is shown by studies that people, who eat healthy and take care of their bodies, simply live longer and even happier. By eating a balanced diet, your body can get nutrition and energy from good sources that help maximize body functions. Eating clean not only has an effect on your physical being but also effects your mental being; clean eating for example, has always made me feel better about myself and more confident about my health. A little bit of effort can go a long way when adapting to a healthy

Describe How To Improve Your Overall Health And Wellbeing

There is a lot of information about there today about things that you can do to improve your health. It can all be overwhelming. However, taking a few small steps can help improve your overall health and wellbeing. Below is a list of things you can do to improve your health:

Role Model Of Health And Social Care

Every human being dream of having a good health and wellness in their daily life. To achieve a good one, each individual is responsible in maintaining a good health and wellness in order to get a better quality in life. If an individual succeed in getting the quality of life it may become a role model to others and give a good influence and create a better environment indirectly. Before maintaining the health and wellness, an individual must understand the meaning of these two terms. Each individual may express the meaning of health and wellness in their own understanding. Each individual may practice the health and wellness in their own way. No matter how different it brings us to achieve a good health and wellness, the purpose of achieving

Persuasive Essay On Eating Healthy

Exercise and eating healthy are two of the most important things you need to do to take care of your body properly. Both exercise, and eating healthy, have many advantages and benefits. They help with multiple things needed throughout your life. These things include growing physically, mentally, and if you are religious, spiritually as well. All of this adds up to your body functioning in the highest and best way possible. People that has unhealthy eating habits, is at severe risk for obesity, diabetes and possible stroke. Unhealthy eating habits have a harmful effect on the body.

What A Happy And Healthy Life Essay

There is really no definite explanation for what a happy and healthy life consists of. People may create a list of qualities that one desires for a “good” life, though many may come from a bad source. Profound philosophers Jean Kazez and Chris Heathwood developed both subjective and objective theories to help define the true meaning of a substantial life. Jean Kazez was responsible for the objective view of well being, where life requires fundamental goods or necessities for a good life. On the other hand, Chris Heathwood explained in a subjective view that satisfying your desires will promote well being. In the movie, D’Jango Unchained, two black men, Stephen and D’Jango, experienced contrasting lives and confronted each other at the end of the movie. During the time period the movie transpires in, it was extremely rare for a black man to have a “good” life. Most black people were made into slaves, but both Stephen and D’Jango had better lives. Stephen had a bad quality of life, and D’Jango aspired to live a “good” life based on the objective and subjective views of well being.

Benefits of Healthy Eating Essay

Healthy eating is the right choice for everyone’s body, how many of the people know are eating healthy these days? There are many benefits to the body when people eat healthy. The three benefits that point out are keeping a healthy weight, preventing health problems and acquiring more energy. Even though there are people who think there are no health risks when they avoid eating healthy, eating healthy helps them have a healthier body, and prevent diseases and other risks to the body. Some reasons people may avoid healthy eating are that they are not financially able to buy the necessary items to have a healthy diet or that they just don’t know how to maintain a healthful diet. Everyone’s body is different so

Maintaining A Healthy Lifestyle In College Essay

The Dining Hall at State University is bustling with kids in sweatshirts and pajama pants. The make-your-own Belgian waffle line is long and students are complaining about the lack of forks. Phrases like “I got wicked smashed last night,” and “I really need a cup of coffee” can be heard around the tables. It’s typical Sunday morning on campus.

The Importance of Exercise and Eating Healthy Essay

Exercise and eating healthy are two of the most important things you need to do to take care of your body properly. Both exercise, and eating healthy, have many advantages and benefits. They help with multiple things needed throughout your life. These things include growing physically, mentally, and if you are religious, spiritually as well. All of this adds up to your body functioning in the highest and best way possible.

Healthy Eating Essay

How does healthy eating affect your life? Many people really pay attention to the food they put in their bodies, until we get sick and need medical attention. I know that many of us love to eat fast food, but it catches up with us in the long run. While eating healthy would stop you from getting sick, and lower the cost of health care, healthy eating can enrich your body and prevent you from getting high doctor bills.

Persuasive Essay On Healthy Lifestyle

Everybody sees it everywhere. “Lose 60 pounds in 6 weeks!” “Skinny is what’s in!” “Detox diet plan!” It’s a fair assumption to assume that the world, especially the United States, is obsessed with being healthy. From celebrity workout programs to expensive diet systems that make people lose weight, being fit is always what’s mainly focused on in the media, daily life, and nationwide. But with obsessions, come unhealthy actions and interests. Most people that anyone knows is most likely upset with some aspect of themselves. Whether it be the way they look, how they eat, or their lifestyle, obsession happens because of the nearly-impossible body types and lifestyles found on social media. On top of this, there are also restrictions and challenges that come with eating a healthy diet that seem simply irradical to address, and unhealthier foods are more available than ever. With these slowly arising issues, anyone would think the nation is making it hard for themselves to be healthy. The society the nation lives in is making it progressively harder and harder to be healthy because of the lifestyles that are easier to achieve.

Related Topics

• Search the site GO Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters

Health Benefits of Papaya

Papaya, or Carica papaya, is a tropical fruit that represents the third most cultivated tropical crop worldwide. Brazil and India are the largest papaya producers, though Mexico is the main exporter. Florida and Hawaii are the only states in the United States that grow it.

Known for its sweet-tasting flesh and orangish yellow skin, papaya is packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C. It also supports digestion. The seeds are edible and have a spicy, peppery taste.

The fruit, stems, leaves, and roots of papayas are used to treat everything from constipation and indigestion to wounds, skin rashes, and parasites. The enzyme papain is used as a meat tenderizer, beer brewing aid, and for treating scars and warts.

Incorporating papaya into your meal plan can provide many health benefits. Research suggests that certain compounds in papaya may be able to assist in reducing inflammation, improving, digestion, and reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease progression.

Design by Health / Getty Images

May Protect Against Some Types of Cancer

Papaya is rich in lycopene, a pigment called a carotenoid (related to beta-carotene) that gives fruits and vegetables a red color. Lycopene is an antioxidant with several anti-cancer properties. It can reduce the risk of cancers and slow the growth of tumors. For example, one older study found that lycopene may play a role in reducing prostate cancer .

Papaya is also rich in vitamin C. Another study found that women with a family history of breast cancer who took 205 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C from food daily had a 63% lower risk of breast cancer when compared with women with a family history of breast cancer who only got about 70 mg of vitamin C daily.

The American Heart Association (AHA) indicates that antioxidants like lycopene in papaya may also reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. The fiber in the fruit may also help lower cholesterol.

May Slow the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder. It has been linked to oxidative stress, which occurs when free radicals outnumber antioxidants in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, including brain cells. To counteract this effect, researchers are studying the use of fermented papaya powder in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Research suggests that papaya powder may counteract the effects of oxidative stress and slow the progression of the disease. After receiving the powder for six months, study participants experienced a 40% reduction in a biomarker that shows oxidative damage.

That said, papaya extract is much more concentrated than whole papaya. The effects of whole papaya have not been studied in people with Alzheimer's disease. This study was also very small. More research is needed.

May Promote Gut Health

Papayas are high in fiber , so they may help promote healthy digestion and lead to satiety (the feeling of fullness), which reduces overeating. The additional fiber adds bulk to stool (poop) and helps prevent hemorrhoids (swollen veins around or within the anus and rectum) and diverticular diseases (gastrointestinal, or GI, conditions). Research has demonstrated that high-fiber diets are associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers.

Papayas are also 88% water. The combination of water and fiber may keep things moving in your digestive tract. Plus, eating a high-fiber diet has been linked to healthy blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol levels.

What's a High-Fiber Diet?

High-fiber diets contain 25-38 grams of fiber daily, or 14 grams per 1,000 calories.

May Boost Immune Function

The vitamin C in payapa also supports immune health. Adequate intakes of vitamin C are important for immune health. It can help fight off illnesses and infections, and it may help with wound healing.

Vitamin C might also:  

• Help prevent or delay certain cancers and heart disease
• Promote healthy aging
• Help decrease the length and severity of cold symptoms

One cup of papaya contains 88.3 mg of vitamin C—an amount that helps you achieve (or come very close to achieving) your vitamin C needs for the day. The Daily Value (DV) recommendations are 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men.

May Protect Vision and Eye Health

Most people think of carrots when it comes to good sources of beta-carotene and vitamin A . However, papayas are a better source. They have three times more bioavailable beta carotene than both carrots and tomatoes.

This is important for vision and eye health, especially since beta-carotene may help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (the most common form of vision loss in older adults).

May Reduce Inflammation

Free radicals are unstable molecules that may trigger a process that can lead to cell damage. Oxidative stress happens when there are more free radicals in the body but fewer antioxidants available to remove them. It can lead to inflammation and chronic disease.

One recent review indicates that papaya extracts may protect against inflammation, aging, and chronic diseases by protecting the body against oxidative stress. More research is needed to determine the safety of using papaya extracts to address medical conditions.

Nutrition of Papaya

Rich in vitamins A and C, papaya is also packed with beneficial nutrients like potassium, beta-carotene, and lycopene. One cup of fresh papaya chunks, cut into one-inch cubes, has just 62 calories and 2.5 grams (g) of fiber. It's also high in water content making it a great choice for anyone looking to incorporate more fruits and vegetables or boost their hydration. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional profile of papaya:

• Calories: 62
• Sodium: 11.6 mg
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Sugars: 11 g
• Protein: 0.7 g
• Vitamin A : 68.2 micrograms (mcg), or 7% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 88.3 mg, or 98% of the DV
• Potassium: 263.9 mg, or 5% of the DV
• Folate: 53.7 mcg, or 13% of the DV
• Beta carotene: 397.3 mcg
• Lycopene: 2650.6 mcg

Risks of Papaya

For the most part, eating ripe papaya does not cause too many side effects—unless you have allergies. Those who are allergic to latex may experience a reaction to eating papaya. You might also have a food allergy to papaya or experience oral allergy syndrome (OAS) if the fruit cross-pollinates with something you are allergic to. OAS is a reaction that occurs when your mouth and throat come into contact with food like raw fruits and vegetables.

Unripe papaya is unsafe for pregnant people. Some studies have found that the enzyme papain—which is more prevalent in unripened papaya—might poison an unborn baby or cause birth defects. For this reason, make sure you're eating a ripe papaya, or perhaps consider waiting until after the baby is born before adding the fruit to your diet.

The papain in unripened papaya can also damage your esophagus whether or not you're pregnant.

10 Tips for Consuming Papaya

To select a ripe papaya, look for one that's mostly yellow or orange with just a few green spots. Papayas that are mostly green are not ripe while those with a lot of soft spots or darker shriveled skin are overripe or spoiled. You also can press the papaya's skin to check for ripeness. If it gives just a little bit like a ripe avocado might, it is likely ready to eat.

Papayas are often compared to melons , but they're not as sweet. They also tend to have a softer texture. Here are some ideas if you are interested in adding papaya to your diet:

• Eat it plain: Slice the papaya into chunks and eat it alone or with a meal or snack
• Blend it into a smoothie: Dice up papaya or use frozen cubes and blend with bananas, Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt, coconut milk, ice cubes, and vanilla extract
• Create a papaya salsa: Combine diced papaya with mango, jalapeno, red pepper, cilantro, avocado, and lime juice and serve alongside your favorite fish or as part of a taco
• Add it to fruit salad: Make a tropical fruit salad with papaya, mango, pineapple, star fruit , and banana
• Develop a sauce or soup: Use papaya to create a barbecue sauce, a sweet and sour sauce, chutney, spicy marinade, or even a chilled soup
• Use it as a topping: If you want to add a little pizazz to your Greek yogurt, consider using papaya as a topping, or try it with whipped cream and nuts
• Grill it: Grill papaya as a side dish or dessert, perhaps topping it with ginger, a drizzle of honey, and whipped cream
• Eat the seeds: The seeds have a peppery taste, so try them on top of a salad or roast them and eat them as a snack or as a topping to another dish
• Make ice cream, sorbet, or milkshakes: Blend papaya with coconut cream, vanilla extract, and sugar, then freeze it (or use an ice cream maker)—or make papaya sorbet or milkshakes
• Bake bread: Use a zucchini or banana bread recipe and substitute papaya

A Quick Review

Papaya is a tropical fruit rich in vitamins A and C as well as other important nutrients like potassium, beta-carotene, and lycopene. It's a nutritious choice for any meal plan, and it may offer health benefits like reduced inflammation, slowed Alzheimer's progression, healthy digestion, and cancer prevention.

Most people can enjoy ripe papaya unless they have allergies, but unripened papaya can be dangerous during pregnancy and harmful to your esophagus. Be sure to choose a ripe papaya and eat it fresh, grilled, in sauces and smoothies, or even baked into bread.

Chávez-Pesqueira M, Núñez-Farfán J. Domestication and genetics of papaya: A review .  Front Ecol Evol . 2017;5:155. doi:10.3389/fevo.2017.00155

USDA, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Papaya .

Gajowik A, Dobrzyńska MM. Lycopene—antioxidant with radioprotective and anticancer properties: A review .  Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig . 2014;65(4):263-271. PMID:25526570

Wu K, Erdman JW, Schwartz SJ, et al. Plasma and dietary carotenoids, and the risk of prostate cancer .  Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention . 2004;13(2):260-269. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-03-0012

National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin C .

American Heart Association. Papaya's milky texture packed with nutrients .

Barbagallo M, Marotta F, Dominguez LJ. Oxidative stress in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: Effect of extracts of fermented papaya powder .  Mediators of Inflammation . 2015;2015:1-6. doi:10.1155/2015/624801

Akbar A, Shreenath AP. High fiber diet . In: StatPearls . StatPearls Publishing; 2024.

USDA, FoodData Central. Papayas, raw .

Khalid W, Arshad MS, Jabeen A, Muhammad Anjum F, Qaisrani TB, Suleria HAR.  Fiber-enriched botanicals: A therapeutic tool against certain metabolic ailments .  Food Sci Nutr .   2022;10(10):3203-3218. doi:10.1002/fsn3.2920

Akbar A, Shreenath AP. High fiber diet . In:  StatPearls . StatPearls Publishing; 2024.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. How vitamin C supports a healthy immune system .

Schweiggert RM, Kopec RE, Villalobos-Gutierrez MG, et al.  Carotenoids are more bioavailable from papaya than from tomato and carrot in humans: A randomized cross-over study .  Br J Nutr . 2014;111(3):490-8. doi:10.1017/S0007114513002596

National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.  Vitamin A: Fact sheet for health professionals .

National Institute of Cancer.  Oxidative stress .

Kong YR, Jong YX, Balakrishnan M, et al. Beneficial role of  Carica papaya  extracts and phytochemicals on oxidative stress and related diseases: A mini review .  Biology (Basel) . 2021;10(4):287. doi:10.3390/biology10040287

MedlinePlus. Papaya .

Sarkar MB, Sircar G, Ghosh N, et al. Cari p 1, a novel polygalacturonase allergen from papaya acting as respiratory and food sensitizer .  Front Plant Sci . 2018;9:823. doi:10.3389/fpls.2018.00823

Food Revolution Network. Discover the top tips for selecting and using papayas in recipes .

Related Articles

Sushi is a global favorite cuisine, but is it healthy? What to know

Though sushi is a centuries-old dish, it's popularization in the United States didn't begin until Japanese American immigrants made it famous here after World War II. Today, sushi's popularity only continues to rise. Google Trends data shows it's twice as popular as it was five years ago and more than three times as popular as it was a decade ago. 

Trendy sushi restaurants now exist in every metropolitan city in the country, and nearly  5 million Americans  eat the dish at least once a month. Beyond its popularity, experts say, sushi has some real health benefits.

Is sushi healthy?

"Because sushi contains lean protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates, it can be part of a healthy diet ," says Abbie Gellman, MS, a registered dietitian and  New York City-based chef . "But as with all foods and weight loss, portion size is important."  

Salmon, tuna and mackerel are the most popular fish used in sushi, and each contains plenty of  omega-3 fatty acids − essential nutrients "that not only support heart health but also brain health," says Karen Collins, MS, a registered dietitian and nutrition adviser to the American Institute for Cancer Research. 

While different sushi types and rolls have several healthy ingredients, Josh Redd, NMD, founder of RedRiver Health and Wellness and author of "The Truth About Low Thyroid," says "the health benefits of sushi stem mainly from its fish and seaweed." 

Indeed, nori, the seaweed used to roll and contain sushi, contains antioxidants and vitamin A , vitamin C and vitamin E . " Antioxidants have been shown to help shield the body from damage caused by free radicals, which play a role in chronic diseases and aging," Redd says. Sushi also contains vitamin D , B vitamins and iodine, "which help maintain bone health and energy production," Redd says. 

The rice in sushi provides complex carbohydrates as well, which is great for energy and won't raise your blood sugar as much in sushi because it's combined with protein and fat. But that rice does add calories to the dish. Those wishing to avoid such calories or anyone following a low-carb diet can drop the rice by opting for sashimi instead. Redd also recommends limiting dipping sauces and avoiding sushi rolls that "contain tempura and cream cheese, because both will jack up calorie counts considerably," he says. Substitute "cucumber, avocado and seaweed."

What is the healthiest vegetable? These choices are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Can sushi help with weight loss? 

Beyond the nutrients it offers, sushi has also been associated with weight loss. "Sushi can be an excellent choice to include in a dietary pattern that supports weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight afterward," Collins says. 

She says research shows that "getting enough protein while reducing calories helps minimize loss of muscle along with the body fat you’re trying to lose," and sushi "tends to pair well with other foods that are nutrient-rich and not very concentrated in calories," such as raw vegetables , salads and brown rice or quinoa. Those foods are a much leaner alternative to chips, condiments, french fries and other add-ons. 

The fish in sushi also has the benefit of not being cooked in the oil or butter used to cook or fry other seafood, which helps maintain its low calorie count. One small fried fish stick, for instance, has about 140 calories alone. A full avocado or cucumber sushi roll consisting of six to eight pieces has only 135 calories. "Sushi is a far healthier choice than breaded or battered fish from the grocery store freezer case or from restaurants, which tends to be high in sodium and extra calories," Collins says. 

How often is it OK to eat sushi? 

The government's  Dietary Guidelines for Americans  recommendations eating at least 8 ounces of seafood a week (less for children), and "most Americans are far from that," Collins says. "So, slipping in a meal with sushi is an easy, convenient meal idea that helps people move closer to this goal."

Even still, caution is suggested when consuming raw fish because it can contain more bacteria than fully cooked fish, which is why some groups are advised to avoid it. "Some people are more vulnerable than others, so the degree of caution needed varies," Collins says. 

For everyone else, Collins says, "the main precaution needed to avoid foodborne illness is to buy sushi from a reputable source that you know has handled the raw fish safely, keeps it adequately refrigerated and turns stock over quickly." 

Watch CBS News

We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

5 surprising long-term care insurance benefits you should know

By Angelica Leicht

Edited By Matt Richardson

April 22, 2024 / 1:48 PM EDT / CBS News

The likelihood that we'll need some form of long-term care increases significantly as we age. But while the majority of adults over age 65 will need long-term care at some point, the costs of that type of care can be very high. For example, the average cost for a private room in a nursing home is expected to be over $120,000 per year in 2024, according to Genworth's Cost of Care Survey . And, home health aide services to allow aging in place are expected to average over $77,000 annually this year. 

Those types of hefty long-term care expenses can be difficult to cover out of pocket, especially if you're on a limited income during retirement. And, the cost of long-term care is only expected to increase in the years ahead, so it's important to take steps now to prepare for the potential costs. 

One option you have is investing in a long-term care insurance policy , which can help cut down on the long-term care expenses you may face in the future. And, many people are surprised to learn that these policies actually provide a suite of additional benefits beyond the primary nursing home and home care coverages.

Find out more about your top long-term care insurance options online today .

The following benefits offered by long-term care insurance may surprise you:

Care planning services 

Being thrust into a situation where you or a loved one needs long-term care is emotionally challenging and can be incredibly confusing to navigate. And that's where the care planning services offered by many long-term care insurers can be invaluable. 

These professionals do more than simply make sure you are aware of what your policy covers. They take a comprehensive approach to evaluating your individual needs and situation and develop a plan to ensure you get the right level of care and leverage all applicable benefits. Having an expert counselor and advocate in your corner provides exceptional peace of mind during a difficult transition.

Compare your best long-term care insurance options now .

Home modification benefits 

As we age, our homes often need to be modified with accessibility features to allow for safe, comfortable aging in place. This can include ramps, grab bars, walk-in showers, stair lifts and more. And, the cost of making a home accessible can easily surpass by thousands of dollars, making it difficult for many people to afford these modifications out of pocket. 

But the good news is that many long-term care insurance policies provide benefits for these types of modifications if they are deemed medically necessary based on your condition. Some policies will even cover the full cost. Having this help to make your home safe, accessible and accommodating of future needs can be a huge benefit of purchasing a long-term care insurance policy.

Caregiver training 

Family members will often take on the role of unpaid caregiver for a loved one, but doing so can be a demanding job that they often have no training for. And, caregiving duties like transferring patients, managing medication and providing personal care require specialized skills. 

That's where long-term care insurance can help. Certain policies will cover training courses to teach informal caregivers these crucial skills. This training helps caregivers avoid injury, burnout and provide better care overall. And, given that the value of unpaid caregiving in the U.S. exceeded $600 billion annually in 2021, maximizing the quality of that care is hugely important.

Respite care

Family caregivers can suffer from burnout, depression and health issues due to the physical and mental toll of caregiving. In these cases, respite care benefits can be a lifeline, providing temporary relief by paying for experienced replacement caregivers to take over duties for a period of time. This allows primary caregivers a chance to rest, recharge their batteries or simply take a break. 

Having this support can make the long-term caregiving situation much more sustainable and manageable. And, since many long-term care insurance policies offer help with respite care, the right coverage could be beneficial if you plan to utilize family caregivers for your long-term care needs.

Care coordination outside the home 

Long-term care insurance doesn't just apply to nursing homes or in-home care scenarios. Many policies will also cover adult day care services , providing a supervised, protective environment for older adults during daytime hours. This includes meals, activities, health monitoring and more. 

For families where caregivers work during the day or simply need a temporary break, adult day care can be an affordable option with long-term care insurance picking up some or all of the cost. This allows loved ones to remain home but get care and enrichment during the times when family can't be there.

The bottom line

While the primary purpose of long-term care insurance is to cover major nursing home or home care expenses, the supplemental benefits outlined above should not be overlooked. Taking advantage of care planning, home modifications, caregiver training, respite care support and adult day care services can significantly improve the quality of life for aging loved ones and their caregivers. 

The key to maximizing your benefits, though, is to read your policy details thoroughly and properly utilize every covered service available to you based on your unique situation. Don't let valuable coverages go to waste simply because you were unaware they existed. With long-term care already consuming a significant portion of many families' savings and income, leveraging all the benefits and support services your insurance provides is essential to easing the financial burden of aging care needs.

Angelica Leicht is senior editor for CBS' Moneywatch: Managing Your Money, where she writes and edits articles on a range of personal finance topics. Angelica previously held editing roles at The Simple Dollar, Interest, HousingWire and other financial publications.

More from CBS News

6 things long-term care insurance covers that you may not have known about

Can you buy long-term care insurance in your 80s?

4 ways to maximize your home value right now, according to experts

Was your mortgage loan application denied? 9 steps to take

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

The Beautiful World of Birding

More from our inbox:, civility on the court, but these are not civil times, a history of deception about politicians’ health, test the candidates, banning plastic foam.

To the Editor:

Re “ Birds Open Our Eyes and Ears ,” by Ed Yong (Opinion guest essay, March 31):

Mr. Yong has written a marvelous article that will resonate with many birders, especially in these troubled times. Many are the mornings when I’ve put aside reading the news in favor of watching the birds at my home in southeast Arizona.

To Mr. Yong’s article I would add that seeking and identifying new birds are wonderful ways to experience the world. Spending time getting to know the birds you’ve already seen can be equally fulfilling, if not even more so.

People who don’t have the luxury of traveling to find exotic species need not feel deprived; they can find fulfillment creating a songbird habitat in their backyard.

Craig Coray Patagonia, Ariz.

Thank you for the wonderful birding article. I too have become obsessive, and I am learning the names of different birds.

The positive healthy aspects of birding are obvious, but people should not just get to know birds, but also think about their safety and their food. Sanctuary and breeding grounds are being depleted around the world. Shorelines are being paved and water conditions are subpar.

Birds are not just for us to enjoy, enhancing our photo albums or improving our species lists. Stay a distance from their habitats, and don’t let your dog or cat tread on them. Get protected glass for buildings. Think of birds as precious, not as a game for humans.

Susan McHale Greenwich, Conn.

I enjoyed Ed Yong’s piece about becoming a birder. He didn’t mention some of the special joys in birding: introducing others to the pleasures of really experiencing birds; sharing a handful of seed with a child so chickadees will alight on small, outstretched fingers; taking the blue-haired receptionist out to see the red crown of a pileated woodpecker; installing a feeder for hummingbirds in a seniors’ residence.

The wonders of nature are naturally wonderful.

Susan Lindenberger White Rock, British Columbia

Ed Yong’s piece is beautiful, and I hope it inspires people to respect not just birds in the wild, but all avian species as well.

Over eight billion chickens, turkeys and ducks are brutalized and killed in America’s industrialized food system per year, and they are no less worthy of consideration than the rarest of birds spotted in the wild.

In the words of Jane Goodall: “Farm animals feel pleasure and sadness, excitement and resentment, depression, fear and pain. They are far more aware and intelligent than we ever imagined.”

Stewart David Venice, Fla.

Re “ Unlikely Personal Alliances on the Supreme Court ,” by Stephen Breyer (Opinion guest essay, April 4):

I am glad that Justice Breyer had a cordial relationship with the justices with whom he served on the Supreme Court. I, too, have friends with whom I disagree. However, there are times when friendship and reaching a consensus are quite beside the point.

We are living through a period of discord in the nation perhaps not seen since the Civil War. Hard-won rights are being disassembled before our eyes.

Our Capitol was attacked by a mob that threatened the peaceful transfer of power in the last presidential election. A president twice impeached escaped conviction because of the radicalization of his political party. Antisemitism is rampant in a way not seen since the 1930s and ’40s.

The Supreme Court has lost the trust of the American people. This is not only a crisis for the court but, more important, for the rule of law in general.

Civility is a two-way street. Moreover, there are times when it is more important to stand firm on principles whatever the cost to civility. We are living through such a time.

Bruce Neuman Water Mill, N.Y.

Please send Justice Stephen Breyer’s wisdom to all members of our Congress. For some it is not needed. For some, a gentle reminder. For a few, a whole new concept.

P.S. The same for candidates for president.

Stalky Lehman Orange, Calif.

Re “ ’24 Candidates Guard Details About Health ” (front page, April 5):

The history of the health of U.S. presidents and presidential candidates, which I study, offers a master class in secrecy and deception.

The American people learned only long after the fact of Grover Cleveland’s oral cancer, Franklin Roosevelt’s paralysis and Lyndon Johnson’s secret surgery to remove a skin tumor, while Jimmy Carter’s hemorrhoids remained a private matter until they were revealed to the public by President Anwar el-Sadat of Egypt.

Doctors treating former Senator Paul Tsongas, a lymphoma survivor and a serious contender for the presidency in 1992, overtly lied in claiming the candidate had been cancer-free since 1986; he was dead of the disease just before what would have been the end of his term.

The notion that Joe Biden and Donald Trump are somehow less forthcoming on medical matters than the majority of their predecessors is misleading. Rather than lament that these men have not released cognitive testing results, one might ask what use such neurological testing would serve.

I have spoken to many voters on this subject over the course of the past year and, although the public may express an interest in such testing, the outcome appears unlikely to change their votes.

Jacob M. Appel New York The writer is a professor of psychiatry and medical education at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

We need to learn which candidates are well qualified for government. Do they understand economics, health care, technology, government and history?

Let’s make standardized tests available for voluntary testing. Then we could see who is brave enough to be tested and who understands the important issues. This could help avoid electing politicians who are charming, but inept.

Thomas James Dolan Ionia, Iowa

Re “ Unwrapping Plastic’s Grip on Produce ” (Food, April 3):

While the substitutions cited in Kim Severson’s article offer a positive step to reduce plastic waste, we should also consider reusable and refillable alternatives.

Plastic pollution harms our health, oceans, climate and communities. The solution is to invest in reusable alternatives and phase out unnecessary single-use plastics — starting with plastic foam.

States are noticing the harmful environmental and health effects of foam foodware. Styrene, the building block of plastic foam, is probably carcinogenic, according to the World Health Organization , and is one of the most common plastics found polluting our beaches and coasts.

Last year Delaware became the 11th state to pass a law to reduce plastic foam, and more states should follow this lead. In December, the Farewell to Foam Act, a bill to phase out plastic foam across the country, was introduced in Congress. Americans should call on their elected officials to pass this bill.

Christy Leavitt Washington The writer is campaign director of Oceana.

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

• Your Health
• Treatments & Tests
• Health Inc.
• Public Health

How to Thrive as You Age

A cheap drug may slow down aging. a study will determine if it works.

Allison Aubrey

A drug taken by millions of people to control diabetes may do more than lower blood sugar.

Research suggests metformin has anti-inflammatory effects that could help protect against common age-related diseases including heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline.

Scientists who study the biology of aging have designed a clinical study, known as The TAME Trial, to test whether metformin can help prevent these diseases and promote a longer healthspan in healthy, older adults.

Michael Cantor, an attorney, and his wife Shari Cantor , the mayor of West Hartford, Connecticut both take metformin. "I tell all my friends about it," Michael Cantor says. "We all want to live a little longer, high-quality life if we can," he says.

Michael Cantor started on metformin about a decade ago when his weight and blood sugar were creeping up. Shari Cantor began taking metformin during the pandemic after she read that it may help protect against serious infections.

Shari and Michael Cantor both take metformin. They are both in their mid-60s and say they feel healthy and full of energy. Theresa Oberst/Michael Cantor hide caption

Shari and Michael Cantor both take metformin. They are both in their mid-60s and say they feel healthy and full of energy.

The Cantors are in their mid-60s and both say they feel healthy and have lots of energy. Both noticed improvements in their digestive systems – feeling more "regular" after they started on the drug,

Metformin costs less than a dollar a day, and depending on insurance, many people pay no out-of-pocket costs for the drug.

"I don't know if metformin increases lifespan in people, but the evidence that exists suggests that it very well might," says Steven Austad , a senior scientific advisor at the American Federation for Aging Research who studies the biology of aging.

An old drug with surprising benefits

Metformin was first used to treat diabetes in the 1950s in France. The drug is a derivative of guanidine , a compound found in Goat's Rue, an herbal medicine long used in Europe.

The FDA approved metformin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the U.S. in the 1990s. Since then, researchers have documented several surprises, including a reduced risk of cancer. "That was a bit of a shock," Austad says. A meta-analysis that included data from dozens of studies, found people who took metformin had a lower risk of several types of cancers , including gastrointestinal, urologic and blood cancers.

Austad also points to a British study that found a lower risk of dementia and mild cognitive decline among people with type 2 diabetes taking metformin. In addition, there's research pointing to improved cardiovascular outcomes in people who take metformin including a reduced risk of cardiovascular death .

As promising as this sounds, Austad says most of the evidence is observational, pointing only to an association between metformin and the reduced risk. The evidence stops short of proving cause and effect. Also, it's unknown if the benefits documented in people with diabetes will also reduce the risk of age-related diseases in healthy, older adults.

"That's what we need to figure out," says Steve Kritchevsky , a professor of gerontology at Wake Forest School of Medicine, who is a lead investigator for the Tame Trial.

The goal is to better understand the mechanisms and pathways by which metformin works in the body. For instance, researchers are looking at how the drug may help improve energy in the cells by stimulating autophagy, which is the process of clearing out or recycling damaged bits inside cells.

Shots - Health News

Scientists can tell how fast you're aging. now, the trick is to slow it down.

You can order a test to find out your biological age. Is it worth it?

Researchers also want to know more about how metformin can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which may slow biological aging.

"When there's an excess of oxidative stress, it will damage the cell. And that accumulation of damage is essentially what aging is," Kritchevsky explains.

When the forces that are damaging cells are running faster than the forces that are repairing or replacing cells, that's aging, Kritchevsky says. And it's possible that drugs like metformin could slow this process down.

By targeting the biology of aging, the hope is to prevent or delay multiple diseases, says Dr. Nir Barzilai of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, who leads the effort to get the trial started.

The ultimate in preventative medicine

Back in 2015, Austad and a bunch of aging researchers began pushing for a clinical trial.

"A bunch of us went to the FDA to ask them to approve a trial for metformin,' Austad recalls, and the agency was receptive. "If you could help prevent multiple problems at the same time, like we think metformin may do, then that's almost the ultimate in preventative medicine," Austad says.

The aim is to enroll 3,000 people between the ages of 65 and 79 for a six-year trial. But Dr. Barzilai says it's been slow going to get it funded. "The main obstacle with funding this study is that metformin is a generic drug, so no pharmaceutical company is standing to make money," he says.

Barzilai has turned to philanthropists and foundations, and has some pledges. The National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, set aside about $5 million for the research, but that's not enough to pay for the study which is estimated to cost between $45 and $70 million.

The frustration over the lack of funding is that if the trial points to protective effects, millions of people could benefit. "It's something that everybody will be able to afford," Barzilai says.

Currently the FDA doesn't recognize aging as a disease to treat, but the researchers hope this would usher in a paradigm shift — from treating each age-related medical condition separately, to treating these conditions together, by targeting aging itself.

For now, metformin is only approved to treat type 2 diabetes in the U.S., but doctors can prescribe it off-label for conditions other than its approved use .

Michael and Shari Cantor's doctors were comfortable prescribing it to them, given the drug's long history of safety and the possible benefits in delaying age-related disease.

"I walk a lot, I hike, and at 65 I have a lot of energy," Michael Cantor says. I feel like the metformin helps," he says. He and Shari say they have not experienced any negative side effects.

Research shows a small percentage of people who take metformin experience GI distress that makes the drug intolerable. And, some people develop a b12 vitamin deficiency. One study found people over the age of 65 who take metformin may have a harder time building new muscle.

Millions of women are 'under-muscled.' These foods help build strength

"There's some evidence that people who exercise who are on metformin have less gain in muscle mass, says Dr. Eric Verdin , President of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. That could be a concern for people who are under-muscled .

But Verdin says it may be possible to repurpose metformin in other ways "There are a number of companies that are exploring metformin in combination with other drugs," he says. He points to research underway to combine metformin with a drug called galantamine for the treatment of sarcopenia , which is the medical term for age-related muscle loss. Sarcopenia affects millions of older people, especially women .

The science of testing drugs to target aging is rapidly advancing, and metformin isn't the only medicine that may treat the underlying biology.

"Nobody thinks this is the be all and end all of drugs that target aging," Austad says. He says data from the clinical trial could stimulate investment by the big pharmaceutical companies in this area. "They may come up with much better drugs," he says.

Michael Cantor knows there's no guarantee with metformin. "Maybe it doesn't do what we think it does in terms of longevity, but it's certainly not going to do me any harm," he says.

Cantor's father had his first heart attack at 51. He says he wants to do all he can to prevent disease and live a healthy life, and he thinks Metformin is one tool that may help.

For now, Dr. Barzilai says the metformin clinical trial can get underway when the money comes in.

7 habits to live a healthier life, inspired by the world's longest-lived communities

This story was edited by Jane Greenhalgh