Components of Balanced Diet:
1. Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates supply a vital source of energy and includes up to 60% of a person’s diet. Good and healthy sources of carbohydrates include whole grains, tubers, legumes, nuts, vegetables (especially potatoes), fruits etc.
2. Proteins:
Proteins are the building blocks of the body. They are very important for growth and development of body. Protein is needed to help the body in repairing cells and making new ones. About 25% of daily calories come from proteins. Sources of protein include beans, pulses, chickpeas, milk, eggs, cheese, fish etc.
3. Fats:
Fats contribute to up to 15% of daily caloric needs and are a major source of energy. Fats are needed for synthesizing many hormones and vitamins. They are needed for storing energy, insulation and for protection of different organs like the kidneys. Sources of fat include cheese, butter, nuts, oily foods, egg yolks etc. Too much fatty foods can cause obesity.
4. Vitamins and Minerals:
Vitamins and minerals are needed for proper functioning of nerve and muscle, for repair of cells, for prevention of deficiency diseases like Beri (deficiency of vitamin B1), to help combat ageing process and to help process carbohydrates for releasing energy.
Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of vitamins and minerals including potassium, iron, folate, vitamin A, B, C, D, E. Vitamin D mainly comes from sunlight.
5. Water
Water is extremely important for a living being. Water is a major nutritional part of body that has many functions. It helps regulate body temperature, lubricate joints and helps protect major organs, and tissues. Water also helps to transport oxygen throughout the body. It is very important to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to stay hydrated and healthy.
Benefits Of a Balanced Diet
Opting for a balanced diet helps prevent many diseases and boosts up the immune system. A balanced diet helps safeguard the body against certain types of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, cancers, etc. It also helps a person to keep a healthy weight. Therefore, we should consume a balanced diet.
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