A chemically balanced diet must include a variety of nutrients needed to keep your body operating at an optimum level. Food nutrients contain naturally occurring, organic chemical substances that supply your body with needed nutrition. A well-balanced diet plays an essential role in living a healthy lifestyle. Check with your doctor first since not all foods are for everyone.
Functions
A chemically balanced diet containing nutrient-rich foods serves numerous functions in your body. The main function is to provide required nutrition to allow the body to operate at an efficient level. Proper nutrition counteracts nutrient deficiency and can prevent or reverse related ailments such as iron deficiency-related anemia, according to the Mayo Clinic. The diet also functions as an energy source and a promoter of growth and development. Eating a balanced diet can extend longevity, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Nutrients
Six types of food nutrients exist in a chemically balanced diet including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. Carbohydrates operate as your body's main fuel source when changed into glucose by your digestive system, according to the National Institutes of Health. Proteins maintain and build muscles, skin and bones. Fats supply energy and help the body absorb vitamins. Each of the 13 vitamins in your body perform specific functions -- for example, vitamin A prevents night blindness. Minerals make hormones, build bones and regulate heartbeats.
Food Pyramid
Following a healthy, chemically balanced diet means eating a well-rounded diet consisting of multiple nutrient-rich foods from each of the food groups in the Food Pyramid as developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food groups include grains, dairy, fruits, vegetables, oils, meat and beans.
Fats
Not all fats are the same. Harmful fats such as saturated fats found in fatty meats, and trans fats found in shortening and partially hydrogenated oils need to be limited in a healthy diet, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Choosing plant-based fats such as canola, sunflower or olive oils can help lowering risks of developing numerous health ailments such as heart disease, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Protein
Protein is a vital component of a chemically balanced diet. Protein is found in both animal and plant sources. Animal-based sources including poultry, seafood, red meat and dairy foods provide rich amounts of this nutrient, according to the Mayo Clinic. Plant-based sources include nuts, seeds and legumes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture emphasizes eating lean protein to lower amounts of cholesterol and saturated fat. Develop a well-balanced diet by having protein be 10 to 35 percent of your daily total calories, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Carbohydrates
Chemically-balanced diets need to include carbohydrates. Carbohydrates can be either simple or complex. Simple carbohydrates are found in milk, fruit and sugary foods such as candy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Complex carbohydrates are found in starchy foods like potatoes, corn and peas; plus grains and legumes. Make carbohydrates between 45 to 65 percent of your daily caloric intake.
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