Balanced diet

Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is a diet that provides the body with all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals required to maintain cells, tissues, and organs as well as to function correctly. A diet can be considered balanced if it contains the appropriate quantities of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Definition

A balanced diet is one that gives your body the nutrients it needs to function correctly. To get the proper nutrition from your diet, you should consume the majority of your daily calories in:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins

Importance of a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is important because your organs and tissues need proper nutrition to work effectively. Without good nutrition, your body is more prone to disease, infection, fatigue, and poor performance. Children with a poor diet run the risk of growth and developmental problems and poor academic performance.

Components of a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet consists of the following components:

• Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy. They are divided into two categories: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are found in fruits and milk, while complex carbohydrates are found in whole grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables.

• Proteins: Proteins are essential for growth and repair. They are also required for the structure and function of all living cells.

• Fats: Fats are a concentrated source of energy. They also have many other functions, such as helping to transport vitamins around the body.

• Vitamins and Minerals: These are required in small quantities but are essential for healthy growth and development.

• Fiber: Fiber is an important part of a balanced diet. It can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, and some types of cancer, and it can also improve digestive health.

See Also

• Nutrition
• Healthy eating
• Food pyramid