17 scientific facts to motivate you to eat healthier, even when you don't want to

The Mayo Clinic says that nearly 25% of overall cancer cases could be prevented with dietary choices — mainly a diet high in fruits and vegetables.

A growing body of research has found that carbohydrate-rich foods with a high glycemic index — meaning they quickly increase your blood sugar — could contribute to acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

A large study from the Harvard School of Public Health found unhealthy diets full of processed foods cost $1.50 more a day than healthy ones full of whole foods.

A 2017 study suggest a Mediterranean diet — which includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, herbs, spices, nuts and healthy fats such as olive oil — is associated with an increased sperm count.

Meanwhile, a number of studies have found that obese men tend to have fewer, more abnormal sperm.

People who eat more fruits and vegetables with lean proteins and fats tend to report better mental health outcomes, according to a 2017 epidemiological survey. 

Researchers at Harvard Medical School say eating right could boost your energy and enhance your athletic performance.

A healthy diet could reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, which diet and exercise can help prevent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Mayo Clinic.

The CDC says people who eat well tend to live longer, and they have fewer health complications so they enjoy the extra time.

Many studies have shown that eating a healthy diet could reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes, according to the American Heart Association, MedlinePlus, and the Mayo Clinic.

Studies from Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders Extra and JAMA Internal Medicine have found people who follow healthy diets are less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's.

A healthy diet could lower your blood pressure, studies from the New England Journal of Medicine and JAMA have found. The DASH diet, which is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy, has shown particular effectiveness.

The National Institutes of Health say eating a healthy diet, especially including calcium and Vitamin D, could reduce your risk for osteoporosis and bone loss.

A major review of nutrition research found that a healthy diet can improve how long and how well you sleep.

Keeping bad fats — mostly trans fats but some saturated fats, too — out of your diet could help lower your cholesterol, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

You could reduce your risk of getting kidney stones with a healthy diet, a study from the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found.

A healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables could boost your immunity and help keep you from getting sick, according to Harvard Medical School.

That being said, it's certainly not the only one. Don't forget to exercise and sleep, too!