Essay on Balanced Diet: A diet that contains a proportional share of all categories of nutrients is broadly defined as a balanced diet. To maintain good health and protect ourselves from diseases and infections, we need to intake balanced food every day. All five primary food groups, along with sufficient water quantity, provide the right nourishment for our body. Healthy eating habits, coupled with good exercise, provide optimum health benefits and good growth and development in the long run.
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Essay on Balanced Diet 500 Words in English
Below we have provided a Balanced Diet Essay in English, suitable for class 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need. – Ancient Ayurvedic Proverb
From the very start, we are taught to eat a balanced diet. Our mothers make sure that we eat healthy and stay strong. What exactly is a balanced diet? A balanced diet or a healthy diet contains an equal amount of proportions of food from all the food groups. It is a balance of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, sugar, vitamins and minerals. An average adult requires about 3200 calories a day to keep the body system performing and functioning adequately. How to get this calorie intake, is up to the individual.
Overeating of something can be as harmful to the body, as having too little of it. It is a general misconception that malnutrition happens because of a lack of food. But the truth is that malnutrition is the result of a lack of the right amount of different foods. Eating food in wrong amounts and incorrect proportions can be detrimental to the health of a person and can cause severe ailments and diseases. This type of thoughtless diet is known as an unhealthy diet or an imbalanced diet.
Importance of a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet promotes good physical as well as mental health. Not only are we in good shape physically, but our mind also seems to be in a safe and right space. We are able to focus more, and our retention power increases. Our ability to do work in a proper manner rises significantly, and we are distracted less. Having a balanced diet also helps in proper growth of the body. It aids in cell division and helps them multiply. Consumption of a balanced diet is also necessary to surge the ability of the body to fight germs and illnesses.
It increases and builds our immunity system, thus making our body and its structures stronger while fighting them. Foods such as walnuts and avocados can help keep the mind away from mental diseases such as depression and dementia. It also helps in controlling your body weight. The intake of healthy and nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, eggs, salads and oats stays in the body for long periods and then breaks down into your bloodstream. It doesn’t let your brain trigger towards the consumption of sugary snacks or processed foods which only increase your fat component and are not even utilized in providing you with energy.
Components of a Balanced Diet
Following are the key elements that constitute a balanced diet:
- Proteins: Found abundantly in eggs, chicken, fish, sprouts, dairy products, etc., proteins act as healing agents of the body. They repair the wear and tear of the muscles caused by our daily activities and also help in growth and building muscles.
- Vitamins and Minerals: These can be found in plenty of fruits and vegetables. They help the body in becoming more immune and in resisting and fighting grave diseases. A lack of vitamins and minerals in the body can lead to an individual suffering from conditions like goitre, anaemia, etc.
- Fats: Present richly in food products such as butter, oil, ghee, etc., fats help you keep your body warm and supply the necessary energy required. Too much fat can be harmful as it may lead you to become lazy and lethargic.
- Carbohydrates: They can be obtained from foods like wheat, rice, bread, etc. They supply the body with glucose which is converted into energy to help support bodily functions and day to day activities.
How to have a Balanced Diet?
Simple habits and ways can be followed to have a balanced diet. Eat more foods that come from trees and plants, rather than convenience foods. Convenience foods are foods that are prepared and packaged in such a way that requires very less preparation type and are almost ready to eat. It is vital to drink plenty of water. Try to sip at least two litres per day.
Avoid having an excess of addictive liquids such as energy drinks, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Try to inculcate fruits in your breakfast and avoid having fatty and fried foods. Do not merely swallow your food, but instead chew it properly. Gulping food might lead to eating more than required or desired and is also prone to choking.
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy diet is vital to have a sound body and mind. The intake of all foods is essential, keeping in mind the right proportions. Avoid overeating at all costs. Eating well is important to lead a healthy life.