Balanced Diet and Nutrients

Key points

• • A balanced diet provides enough energy and all the nutrients the body needs, in the right proportions, to stay healthy.
• • The energy-giving macronutrients are carbohydrates and fats, while proteins are needed mainly to build and repair the body.
• • By a common guide, carbohydrates should supply most of the energy, fats a smaller share, and proteins about a tenth to a sixth of it.
• • Proteins are judged by their quality: animal proteins contain all the essential amino acids, and a suitable mixture of plant proteins (such as cereals with pulses) can also supply them.
• • The micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are needed only in small amounts but are essential, and a lack of them causes deficiency diseases.
• • Dietary fibre, though not absorbed, is important because it adds bulk, aids bowel movement and helps control blood sugar and cholesterol.