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How to Maintain a Balanced Diet |
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Food is something we all need, and your diet contributes to your body and mind's everyday function. However, an unbalanced diet can lead to several diseases like:
- Overweight and obesity
- High blood cholesterol or increased cholesterol
- Chronic constipation with subsequent retention of toxins
To avoid an unhealthy diet, we need certain nutrients in the food we eat. The nutrients we need are:
Proteins are rich in amino acids, which are essential for living cells. Proteins are the highest biological value of animal origin, found in eggs, milk, fish and meat.
The sugars or carbohydrates may be simple or complex depending on whether glucose or starch. The simple sugars are absorbed quickly and, if taken in excess, they become fat. This is energy food that is good in moderation.
Lipids may lead saturated fatty acids, which are of animal origin and contain cholesterol. These are energy-rich nutrients, although they should be consumed in moderation, with the right types of fats.
Vitamins are classified as water soluble (B, C) and fat soluble (A, D, E, K). In general, vitamins are sensitive to heat, light and changes in acidity. These nutrients regulate cellular activities. We should take vitamins as part of a healthy diet; however, some can be synthesized with the help of sunlight (vitamin D) or the intestinal flora (vitamin K).
Iron is an important mineral, and without it we may become anemic. Foods rich in iron are:
- Liver
- Meat
- Egg yolk
- Those who do not eat animal products may find that many cereals are iron-fortified
Sodium and chlorine regulate the pressure of the extra cellular fluid and blood. Thus, excessive sodium increases the amount of water and therefore blood pressure. In old age, human needs more calcium and phosphorus.
Water is the most necessary of all nutrients, and children and the adults should consume it throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
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