Guest Blogger: Dr. Doireann O'Leary

Hi there Smurfit Students! I'm Dr. Doireann and as well as speaking at the Nutrition Studio Online Panel Discussion next week (Register here),

As a doctor I know from experience the importance of healthy eating and nutrition. Good nutrition has an impact on your overall health and quality of life. I've broken down a few reasons why I believe nutrition is necessary:

Reduces the risk of developing disease

Healthy eating reduces hypertension, diabetes and heart disease, which was the leading cause of death in the United States in 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To reduce your risk it's scientifically proven that healthy eating is best.

Helps keep a healthy weight

Healthy eating helps to maintain a healthy weight which influences your overall wellbeing and prevents the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and joint damage.

Increased Energy Levels

Healthy foods really boost your energy while junk food often offers sudden jolt of energy, only to lead to feeling completely exhausted a short time later. That is how your body reacts when you absorb an abundant amount of refined sugar.

By avoiding such unhealthy foods and fuelling your body with nutritious options instead, you’ll be able to increase your energy levels throughout the entire day, not just for an hour or so—and you won’t endure that crash-and-burn effect.

Improves Skin Health

Good nutrition plays a key role in skin health . According to the Irish Association of Dermatology foods containing vitamins C and E, lycopene and other antioxidants, as well as olive oil, can help to protect your skin against sun damage.

Boosts the immune system

More important now than ever before, nutritious eating can greatly boost your immune system as proven by Harvard School of public Health. So there really couldn't be a better time to get in your fruits and vegetables as we do our best to beat this pandemic!