Many people underestimate the impact of food choices on our health, despite the fact that the way we tailor our menus on a daily basis will determine how well we age, what issues we may come across and how well we cope with illnesses. So how does your choice of food affect your overall well-being and what can you do to make healthy choices that will safeguard your long-term health?Your skin as your menu-mirrorA prolonged unhealthy diet is easily noticed in the appearance of your largest organ ? your skin. If you?re pale, prone to acne, dry patches or constant irritations, then you?re most likely under-feeding your skin with essential nutrients and overburdening it with toxins. A versatile menu that is mainly based on vegetables, fruits, and lean protein can provide your skin with plenty of hydration, anti-oxidants to fight free-radical damage, as well as vitamins and minerals that give you radiance and elasticity.It all begins in your mouthAs the first line of defense, your teeth and your mouth also represent the very beginning of your digestive journey, and no wonder it takes plenty of care to keep your pearly whites happy and healthy. If you eat a lot of unhealthy food, you can wreak havoc on your overall health.Although they?re tempting, sugary drinks and snacks are your teeth?s worst enemy. By choosing healthy options, you can lower the risk of cavities significantly, especially with the help of proper oral care: brushing twice a day and daily flossing. However, if you do experience pain or discomfort, it?s best to book an appointment with your preferred endodontist and rethink your nutrition regime in order to protect your teeth from future issues.Food for thoughtNo wonder that countries such as Denmark and Australia are officially some of the happiest countries in the world ? people from these places truly put an emphasis on healthy living. Heck, they?ve turned it into a form of art! They use food to eliminate the feelings of sluggishness, anxiety, tiredness and overall lack of energy, which allows them more productivity and a fulfilled life.They?ve mastered the art of choosing the right ingredients for fueling their happy thoughts. Apparently, a healthy diet is essential for producing happy hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, and this happiness chemistry is the main reason behind the label of ?comfort food?. And what are you best choices for happy thoughts and good mood? Whole grain foods, legumes, fruits and veggies!The recipe for immune strengthYour invisible ally in preventing and battling the pesky seasonal flu has a versatile role in your body ? it keeps everything in good order, maintains the balance of your body, and it protects you from microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria from compromising your health. But in order to do its job properly, your immune system needs proper fuel.Ensuring variety in your diet is key, so you should make your meals as versatile as possible consistently, because even if you eat an apple once in awhile, it won?t make a difference if the majority of your meals are poorly structured. Depending on your current health, you can design an immunity-boosting diet, which will contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C which is vital for your resilience, and vitamins B, which help your body recuperate faster.A feast for your self-perceptionAnother wonderful perk of choosing healthy food lies in your confidence and long-term emotional and mental strength. Life often throws mean punches, and it takes quite a lot of psychological resilience to cope with those setbacks, and while there are several ways to boost your mental muscles, your menu also plays a key role in safeguarding your self-image and mental strength.Food, as a staple of a healthy life, lets you build a healthy, positive self-image as it protects you from diet-caused diseases such as cardiovascular issues, weight problems, diabetes, etc. When you eat well, you are much more prone to living well, socializing, enjoying life and staying resilient during hardships. While it may seem harmless to go for that whipped cream chocolate waffle or deep-fried chicken wings, making unhealthy choices on a daily basis can slowly cause irreversible damage to your mind and your body alike. So, the next time you start making your grocery list, fill it with those wonderful goodies that will keep you healthy and happy for years to come!