Balanced diet
What is a balanced diet?
A balanced diet is a diet that contains all the necessary nutrients in the right amounts to maintain good health and prevent chronic diseases. A balanced diet includes a variety of foods from different food groups in appropriate proportions. The major food groups include:
A balanced diet is a diet that contains all the necessary nutrients in the right amounts to maintain good health and prevent chronic diseases. A balanced diet includes a variety of foods from different food groups in appropriate proportions. The major food groups include:
- Fruits and vegetables: These provide important vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are essential for good health.
- Carbohydrates: These are the main source of energy and should be obtained from whole grains, starchy vegetables, and fruits.
- Proteins: These are essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues and can be obtained from animal and plant sources.
- Fats: These provide energy and help to absorb important vitamins, but should be consumed in moderation.
- Dairy: This group provides calcium and other important nutrients and can be obtained from milk, cheese, and yogurt.
A balanced diet should also include plenty of water and limit the intake of sugary drinks, saturated fats, and processed foods. The specific nutrient requirements may vary depending on age, sex, weight, and activity level, but consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods from different food groups is the key to a balanced diet.
See also: all definitions