What is a Balanced Diet and Why is it Important?
A balanced diet is one that has all the essential nutrients, required by the body for proper growth and development, in the appropriate amounts. A well balanced diet consists of the right amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. A balanced diet also provides the body energy to function. I know you must be thinking 'why is a balanced diet important'? Let's take the example of a car. For a car to function properly, all the components in the machinery must be in a proper working condition. If any of the components is missing or if there is no petrol in the car, then this vehicle will be of no use. In a similar way, our body is just like the car, with all the parts (read body systems) performing 24x7. The balanced diet is like fuel for the smooth functioning of the body and without it, one can imagine the plight of the body. There is even a balanced diet for weight loss. Surprising isn't it? Let us discuss about the various nutrients that make up the balanced diet menu, needed by our body.
Carbohydrates
We get our energy from carbohydrates, when they are burned down, by the process of respiration, in the cells of our body. Carbohydrates are obtained in the form of starch, which is converted into glucose in the digestive system to release energy. This glucose is then transported through the bloodstream to all the parts of the body. Carbohydrates are an important part of the healthy balanced diet. Potatoes, cereals, fruits like bananas, wholegrain bread, etc., are a rich sources of carbohydrates.
Fats
Fats are also a source of energy which can be stored in the body as a reserve. When the energy in the body comes down, the reserve fat is burned as fuel to release energy. Many people tend to avoid fats in the diet since they think it will make them gain weight. Saturated and unsaturated fats are the two main types of fats. Saturated fats or LDL are harmful and can increase the levels of cholesterol. Unsaturated fats, also known as heart healthy fats or HDL, help in lowering the LDL and prevent cardiovascular diseases. Hence, fat (unsaturated fat) is essential for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system and it also gives a healthy glow to the skin and in winters it insulates the body to protect it from cold. HDL cholesterol foods include fish (salmon, tuna, halibut) almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, flax seeds and many other nuts and seeds.
Proteins
Proteins are the building blocks of life. They are essential for the growth and repair of the cells in the body. Since the body cannot digest proteins, the molecules are broken down into amino acids which are easily assimilated. Protein rich foods include milk and other dairy products, eggs, lean meat and legumes, etc.
Vitamins and Minerals
Though vitamins and minerals are required in small quantities, they complete the balanced diet. Both vitamins and minerals are essential for the building of the body. Vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E and K and minerals like iron, calcium, iodine, etc., are a must in balanced diet for children for their proper growth and development.
Apart from the above mentioned nutrients, fiber is also an important component of the balanced diet, since it adds roughage to the waste products to eliminate it from the body without any difficulty. A mixture of all this essential nutrients in a meal is what is a balanced diet for a pregnant woman, since they have to provide nourishment for both themselves and the baby.
After going through this article you must have understood what is a balanced diet and its importance. Following a proper balanced diet plan is essential to keep the body fit and healthy, free from infections and diseases. Hope you found this article on what is a balanced diet useful and informative.
By Marlene Alphonse
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