Your metabolism is a complex mechanism and so is the method of providing it with the energy and raw materials that it needs. At a basic level, the foods that you eat sustain your life. At its most significant level, your diet determines how healthy and how active you will be today and as you age. Because of your body's need for different amounts of dozens of nutrients, eating a balanced diet is important to maintaining the equilibrium required for good health.
Daily Energy Demands
Every mental and physical task that you perform uses energy and nutrients from food. Your appetite reminds you to gather these elements for distribution through digestion. The National Institutes of Health recommend listening to this inner voice and eating three meals a day, plus a snack when your activity level prompts it. A continual supply of nutrition generates a feeling of vitality, without peaks and dips.
Cellular Growth
The cells of your body are always in flux, in various states of growth, damage, repair and replenishment. A consistent intake of dietary protein, iron and B vitamins is important to building your blood count, for efficient transport of essential nutrients to your cells. For instance, bones and teeth need calcium for growth, while skin tissue needs vitamins A, C and E. Planning balanced meals that come from every food group --- grain, veggie, fruit, dairy and protein --- will naturally provide the full range of beneficial nutrition.
Calorie Balance
To stay at a healthy weight without dieting, you must consume the same amount of calories that you use from day to day. Eating a varied diet helps you achieve this balance. Eating many of the same types of foods that contain large amounts of high-calorie nutrients, such as fat and sugar, upsets your caloric balance. Even if you exercise more to make up for it, excessive amounts of these nutrients have other detrimental effects on your health.
Disease Risk
Many diseases are related to a poor diet, either through overweight conditions or malnutrition. Overconsumption of fat and cholesterol can damage your arteries, while too much sodium from salty foods raises blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Uncontrolled carbohydrate intake may contribute to type 2 diabetes risk. The Office of the Surgeon General reports that simply carrying extra weight also increases your chance of developing diabetes, heart disease and many forms of cancer. Following a balanced diet can negate these potential health issues.
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