A balanced diet is achieved by eating different and proper food supplements. A balanced diet consists of all the dietary supplements. The composition of a balanced diet depends on various factors such as the country you live in, social and cultural habits, physical appearance, economic status and age. It also depends on the physical activity you do in your daily routine. A balanced diet is achieved by eating different and proper food supplements. A balanced diet consists of all the dietary supplements. The composition of a balanced diet depends on various factors such as the country you live in, social and cultural habits, physical appearance, economic status and age. It also depends on the physical activity you do in your daily routine.
What is a balanced diet?
A balanced diet is a diet that comprises different kinds of food in a certain amount so that the requirement of proteins, minerals, fats, vitamins and water consumption such that the bodies need is completed. The right amount of food in a balanced diet is required to supply nutrition and energy to the body. It also helps maintain body growth and helps in the proper functioning of the body organs. A balanced diet also helps in the wear and tear of tissues and maintains the body’s water level. A balanced diet provides bioactive phytochemicals, fibres, antioxidants and nutraceuticals with tremendous health advantages. A balanced diet consists of 60% to 70% of carbohydrates, 10% to 15% of proteins and 18% to 25% of fats. These all dietary supplements provide calories to our body, which helps our body run and maintain our basic health throughout the day.
Types of nutrients in a balanced diet
There are two major types of nutrients present in a balanced diet.
- Macronutrients
- Micronutrients
Macronutrients
Macronutrients are vital nutrients the body needs in a large amount to remain healthy. Macronutrients give the body energy and also help the body to prevent diseases. Macronutrients help the body run properly and help all the organs function correctly. There are three main types of macronutrients:-
- Carbohydrates
- Protein
- Fats
- Water
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the body. Carbohydrates are necessary for the brain to maintain the proper functioning of the brain. Our body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, and it travels from the bloodstream to cells of the body and helps them function properly.
Carbohydrates are wheat, grains, cereals, rice, fruits, beans, lentils and pulses.
Protein
Proteins are polypeptide bonds of amino acids. Proteins are required to build muscles and tissues in the body. It also helps to increase the immunity of the body. They play a vital role in the growth, development and maintenance of the body tissues. The proper amount of protein intake is required to keep the muscles and bones healthy in the body. Protein sources are milk and milk products, chicken, soya bean, fish, and nuts.
Fats
Fats are an important part of a balanced diet. It provides energy to the body. It helps in the transportation of vitamins. It also plays an important role in the production of hormones. Sources of fats are olive oil, fish, walnuts, peanuts, and almonds.
Water
The body is made up of 60% of water. Body loses water in many ways throughout the day. The two main ways are by urine and by sweat. Less intake of water may cause fatigue in a person. Water is the most important factor in a balanced diet. The proper amount of water needed by a person daily is
- 2.7 litres for women in a day
- 3.7 litres for men in a day
Micronutrients
Micronutrients are nutrients required in a small amount by the body but are also important for the body. Lack of micronutrients can cause severe illness and life-threatening conditions to the person. They also regulate the growth of hormones and also help the body to produce enzymes. There are two types of micronutrients.
- Minerals
- Vitamins
Minerals
Minerals are important food supplements in a balanced diet. Minerals help the brain’s proper functioning and help produce enzymes and hormones. Sources of minerals are nuts, seeds, cruciferous vegetables, eggs and beans.
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds needed for the development and growth of the body. They also repair cellular damage and provide energy to the body.
Why is a balanced diet important?
- A balanced diet provides the body with all the important nutrients important to function.
- Without a balanced diet, the body gets weak and prone to disease.
- Dietary supplements present in a balanced diet helps in the growth of the body and maintains the body.
- A balanced diet improves the immune system.
- A balanced diet provides you with the nutrients required for the body to avoid nutritional deficiency.
- Following a balanced diet makes you feel energetic.
- Components in a balanced diet help the body repair worn and damaged tissues.
A balanced diet also helps the proper functioning of the brain and helps in the release of enzymes and hormones.
Conclusion
A balanced diet is a diet that comprises different kinds of food in a certain amount so that the requirement of protein, carbohydrate, fats, minerals, vitamins and water consumption such that the body’s need is completed. A balanced diet is required to provide nutrition to the body and help in the growth of the body. A balanced diet consists of 60% to 70% of carbohydrates, 10% to 15% of protein and 18% to 25% of fats. There are two types of nutrients: micro and macronutrients. Nutrients required in large amounts to the body are known as macronutrients. Micronutrients are nutrients that are required in a small amount to the body. A balanced diet is important and helps develop and grow the body. It also builds the immune system and also helps in the development of the brain. It also helps repair the damaged tissues and release enzymes and hormones.