Balance diet: Importance and benefits of balanced diet in healthy lifestyle
A diet that contains all micro and macro nutrients that our body need for smooth functioning is known as a balanced diet.
You must have heard about a balanced diet and its health benefits. But the question is are you taking a balanced diet? Majority of you would answer in ‘No’. Don’t worry, you are not alone to say this. There are only a few who eat a balanced diet every day. Because eating a balanced diet is not at all easy.
What Is A Balanced Diet?
A diet that contains all micro and macro nutrients that our body need for smooth functioning is known as a balanced diet. The micro nutrients are vitamins and minerals. The macro nutrients are carbohydrate, protein and fat. A diet that contains an adequate amount of fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals is called a balanced diet.
How To Prepare A Balanced Diet
A balanced diet for every individual could be different. Because this depends on the height, weight and occupation of an individual. An individual following sedentary lifestyle can fulfil his calories and nutrients requirement with two bread, some pulses, greens, etc (one meal), but a heavy worker would become short of nutrients if he follows the diet of the first person. Therefore, a balanced diet depends on various factors and only dieticians or health practitioners can give a customised balanced diet to an individual.
However, by and large one can make his her diet balanced by adding sources of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals in every meal. The best way to do is by adding, legumes, fruits, green leafy vegetables, seeds in the diet.
Health Benefits Of Balanced Diet
Treat Constipation – A balanced diet comprised of both soluble and insoluble fibre. Eating fibre rich food keeps the gut healthy and removed constipation related problems.
Makes Skin Healthy – Fruits are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Citrus fruits are a great source of Vit C and E which do wonders on the skin. Daily intake of Vit C in the adequate amount makes skin healthy. It is good for those who have dry or lifeless skin.
Increased Energy Level – If you are suffering from low energy level problem, then start taking a balanced diet and you will experience the difference. An unbalanced diet doesn’t give nutrition to cells that it needs for smooth functioning. E.g. If you will not put good quality petrol in your car, the car won’t run smooth, and after some time, it will start troubling you.
Haemorrhoids – This a condition of swollen veins near rectum or anus. These veins usually remain painless but it starts to bleed when force is applied while passing stool. Three out four people suffer from this condition once in their lifetime. Change lifestyle and taking a balanced diet is an effective way to treat this disorder.
Cardiovascular Disease – Cardiovascular disease claims more life internationally than cancer or any other disease. Among cardiovascular diseases, coronary heart disease is the most prevailing one. A balanced diet rich in polyunsaturated fat like omega-3 fatty acid, whole grain, plenty of fruits and vegetables reduces the possibility of occurrence of these diseases in an individual.
Cancer – By opting to a balanced diet, you can prevent certain types of cancer, such as cancer of kidney, breast, oesophagus, rectum, colon and uterus.
Osteoporosis – Osteoporosis is a condition when bones become porous. Eating right and healthy food improves the condition of bones and makes it healthy. A balanced diet contains an adequate amount of calcium and Vit D essential for the good health of bones.
Diabetes – Type 2 diabetes occurs because of excess consumption of sugar. Too much sugar shoot sup glucose level in the blood. By avoiding packed food, sugar-rich foodstuff, soda and including whole-grain cereals, leafy green vegetables and fruits in diet, you can reduce the chance of type 2 diabetes.
Enhance Immunity – A balanced diet improves immunity as it is rich in micro and macro nutrients along with antioxidants and phytonutrients (ensure quick recovery of damaged cells).
Obesity – Obesity has a direct and close relationship with diet. It is an underlying reason for many health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc. People who take a balanced diet are less likely to become obese.
World Health Organization, U.S. Centre For Disease Control and Prevention, the Heart Foundation all accept that a balanced diet help in the prevention of many life-threatening diseases.
Disclaimer – A balanced diet is subjective and therefore an individual must consult their health practitioner before introducing anything in the diet.