HUMAN BODY

Human Body

Human Body

Part a

Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is nothing but a diet which includes right amount of all the nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates etc. A balanced diet is required for the growth and development of a person especially the children. Each food group is abundant in certain type of nutrients. So a right mix of all nutrients in your food will ensure long and healthy life.

A balanced diet has direct relation with the health of a person. Following a balanced diet will ensure you certain things such as( Carlino 2009 )

Helps to keep your body weight under control

Keep you energetic throughout the day

Maintaining the cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure level under control

Helps to relax your body and mind

Plays a major role in making your physique attractive,

Food itself is a medicine which has the potential to cure any kind of disease if consumed in a right way. There are 5 basic food groups and a healthy diet consists of eating a variety of foods from all of the groups but in the correct proportions.

Bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, noodles and breakfast cereals.

These foods mostly contain starch and should be the main part of all your meals. If possible try to choose high fibre varieties. This group of foods are an excellent source of fibre and are rich in vitamins from the B complex.

Fruit and vegetables.

This includes all frozen, fresh and canned fruit/vegetables as well as salad vegetables. These are all excellent sources of vitamins, minerals and fibre and are naturally low in fat and calories. You should try to eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day.

Milk and dairy foods.

Milk and dairy products include cheese, yoghurt, milk and fromage-frais. They are rich in protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals. Eat or drink a moderate amount of these foods - about 2 to 3 servings per day. These foods contain a good source of calcium, which is essential to our diet, but as these foods can also be high in saturated fats try to choose reduced fat versions when possible.

Meat, fish, poultry and pulses.

Eating fish 1-2 times a week is good for you, especially if you eat oily fish (sardines, mackerel and salmon). All types of meats are included in this category and red meat is an excellent source of iron and vitamin B12, but try to choose the leaner cuts and trim off all visible fat before cooking. Lentils, nuts, peas and beans are also in this food group. Try to use lower fat versions of all these foods whenever possible. You should eat approximately 2 servings from this category each day.

Foods containing fats and sugars.

This last group contains butter, margarine, cream, ice-cream, low fat spreads, cooking oils, mayonnaise, salad dressings, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, sugary drinks, sweets, pastry foods and crisps. All of these foods tend to be high in fat and calories. Try not to eat these foods too often and when you do only have them in small ...