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Healthy Food Drives Community Health
It is important when both shopping for food and providing food for others, we make efforts to select choices beneficial to our health. This can be done by reducing added sugars, lowering sodium intake, and consuming more whole grains. Our community benefits from these choices, as we lower the risk of disease due to lack of nutrition. These options also do not cost more than their less nutritious alternatives.
Reducing added sugar prevents calorie consumption that provides little nutrition. This can help lower weight, risk of heart disease, as well as ensure teeth health. Many options are available to reduce the amount of added sugars we consume. Be on the lookout for foods that contain high fructose corn syrup, as this is an added sugar. When purchasing items, opt for unsweetened or no sugar added varieties, as well as fruits canned in water or natural fruit juice.
Most Americans get more daily sodium in their diet than recommended. Lowering sodium intake can help prevent increased blood pressure, which in turn lowers the risk of stroke, heart attack, blindness, and kidney failure. Look for canned foods labeled “lower sodium” or “no salt added” when purchasing nonperishables to reduce the amount in a meal.
Whole grains contain many beneficial nutrients. Increasing intake of whole grains can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and some forms of cancer. They can also improve bowel health. Choose foods labeled whole grain or whole wheat as the main ingredient. These options can include brown rice, whole wheat bread, and whole wheat pastas.
By making efforts to provide nutritious foods to our community, we can improve health and lower disease risk.
Check our website porchcommunities.org for more information on how you can help bring healthy food to those in need in your community!