What is called Balanced Diet ?

By the term Balanced Diet it’s quite clear that our body requires a balanced
Nutrition. Since one single food group cannot nourish the body with all the vital
ingredients it requires, it is important that we consume a variety of foods to derive
the complete nutrition that our body needs. There are 6 main food groups:-

1) Carbohydrates:- Carbohydrates are our primary source of energy. There are 3 major
types of carbohydrates such as simple carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates or starch &
dietary fibers.
2) Proteins:- Protein is a nutrient needed by the human body for growth & maintenance.
Protein is a major structural component of all cells in the body, spl muscles.
3) Vegetables:- Vegetables are very important bcoz it contains a no. of essential vitamins
& minerals that cannot be found in other types of foods.
4) Fruits:- Fruits are also equally important as vegetables bcoz it also contains important
vitamins & minerals that are essential for our body.
5) Dairy Products:- Dairy products provide several important nutrients & are the richest source
of Calcium.
6) Fats (Good quality fats):- Fats, oils & waxes belong to the group of naturally occuring organic
materials called lipids. Lipids are concentrated sources of energy as well as structural
components of cell membranes. Everybody needs a certain amount of dietary fat for normal
body functions.

Other than this 6 main food groups there are certain essential minerals & trace
minerals that our body needs.

They are CALCIUM, CHROMIUM, COBALT, COPPER, IODINE, IRON, MAGNESIUM,

MANGANESE, MOLYBDENUM, PHOSPHOROUS, POTASSIUM, SELENIUM, SULFUR &
ZINC.

After all we are what we eat. Foods contain vital nutrients that aid our body’s
metabolic function. However, a lack of these nutrients can lead to accumulation of
toxins within the body, resulting in chronic diseases in the long run.

A nutritious diet ensures our overall well being & also helps to maintain a healthy
Body Mass Index (BMI), reduces the risk of several diseases like cancer,
cardiovascular ailments, diabetes, osteoporosis & stroke. Thus a nutritious &
healthy diet is important in the prevention & cure of various diseases.