Special diets play an important role in maintaining health and supporting the treatment of many diseases. So how to choose foods for special diets? The article below will provide information about foods for special diets and some things to know.
To maintain a healthy body, especially for people with special nutritional needs, choosing the right foods is extremely important. Foods for special diets not only help improve health but also support the treatment and prevention of diseases. Let’s learn about foods for special diets through the article below.
What are foods for special diets?
Foods for special diets are specifically designed to meet specific nutritional needs.
According to Clause 3, Article 3 of Decree 15/2018/ND-CP, these foods are processed or mixed according to special formulas to support dieters, the elderly, or other special subjects. The composition of these foods is clearly different from regular foods, meeting nutritional requirements based on the health or physical condition of the user.
For example, foods used in a diabetic diet will contain less sugar, while foods for underweight people are rich in calories and protein.
Special diet foods to meet specific nutritional needs
Healthy Foods for Special Diets
Fruits and Vegetables
Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables not only reduces the risk of diseases such as stroke, high blood pressure and digestive disorders, but also helps treat diabetes and prevent certain types of cancer. They are a source of fiber, vitamins and minerals essential for health.
Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables helps reduce the risk of stroke and high blood pressure.
Grains
Whole grains help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and colon cancer. For people with celiac disease (gluten intolerance), it is necessary to stay away from gluten-containing grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. Instead, you can choose gluten-free grains such as brown rice, quinoa, or gluten-free oats.
Milk and dairy products
Products such as milk and cheese help strengthen bones, prevent osteoporosis, and reduce the risk of fractures. Elderly people should supplement enough milk to protect the skeletal system. However, people with lactose intolerance should replace it with other protein-rich foods such as soy milk or almond milk.
Lean meat
Lean meat is a rich source of protein and iron, especially useful for people with anemia or protein deficiency in the body. Chicken, lean beef, or pork loin are ideal choices to supplement energy and essential nutrients.
Seafood
Omega-3-rich seafood such as salmon and tuna has been shown to support heart health, reduce the risk of stroke and depression. In particular, older adults should include seafood in their diet to reduce cognitive decline. However, it should be noted that seafood is also one of the most allergenic food groups.
Omega-3 rich seafood like salmon and tuna helps support heart health
Beans and legumes
Beans and legumes are rich in antioxidants, which help prevent cell aging and protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Regular consumption also helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
Nuts
Nuts are not only good for people with heart disease and diabetes but also help maintain an ideal weight. However, people with allergies should stay away from these foods.
Tofu
A great alternative to meat, tofu is rich in protein and has the effect of reducing the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol levels. This is a popular food in vegetarian or vegan diets.
Olive oil
Considered the “golden” cooking oil, olive oil brings many health benefits, especially for people with diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This is a healthy choice for preparing daily dishes.
Olive oil has many health benefits
Wine
Drinking red wine in moderation can reduce the risk of heart attack thanks to the antioxidants in this drink. However, you should limit your alcohol intake to avoid negative health effects.
Incorporating the above foods into a special diet not only helps improve overall health but also helps prevent and treat many different diseases. It is always necessary to consult a nutritionist before applying any diet.
Notes when choosing foods for special diets
Not all diets or foods for special diets are suitable for everyone. To achieve the best results, you need to note:
Finance
Some special diets require the use of expensive foods or need specialized processing equipment. Therefore, before starting a special diet, you need to carefully calculate your budget to avoid financial problems while maintaining the diet.
Health status
Each diet is suitable for people with certain health conditions. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, it is important to consult a doctor or dietitian to determine the appropriate diet.
Time
Some special diets require more time to prepare food than a regular diet, or require elaborate cooking to maintain nutritional value. If you have a busy schedule, you will need to consider carefully how much time you spend preparing meals. Meal prepping can save you time and effort, and help you control the amount of food and nutrients you consume throughout the week.
Support from loved ones
Maintaining a special diet can be challenging, especially when you have to change your eating habits long-term. During difficult times, encouragement and support from family and friends can be crucial to staying on track with your diet.
Listen to your body
Although special diets can have many benefits, they may not always be suitable for your body.
If during the application process, you feel that your physical or mental health is not improving, or you experience unusual symptoms, you should be flexible in changing your diet and seeking advice from your doctor. More importantly, always listen to your body and adjust your menu accordingly, so that the diet really brings the best benefits to your health.
Special diet foods play an important role in supporting your health and improving your quality of life. However, to achieve optimal results, you need to understand your personal needs, listen to your body and consult a specialist. A proper diet not only helps control health conditions but also brings balance and energy to daily life.
