A Balanced Diet: What is It and Why is It Important?

Posted By Suborna Fermi Posted on Apr 08, 2025

Most of us struggle to avoid eating junk foods and improve our eating habits. The easiest way to improve your eating habits is to have a balanced diet. A balanced diet comprises sufficient nutrients to fulfil your daily needs for the body to grow and remain healthy. In this blog post, explore further about a balanced diet.

What is a balanced diet?

A balanced diet is a daily eating habit that provides all the nutritional value from the food to the body in adequate quantities, which are essential for its growth and maintenance. Usually, most of your daily calories should come from vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, legumes, dairy, whole grains and nuts, to get the most nutritional value for the body.

Your body requires adequate amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fibers, vitamins and minerals to maintain energy, aid growth, improve immunity and prevent illnesses. A balanced diet incorporates carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the ratio of 50-60, 12-20%, and 30%. Also portion control with a focus on balanced vegetables and fruits consumption are key components of a balanced diet.

Why is a balanced diet important?

A balanced diet has innumerable benefits for your health. It helps manage your weight, strengthen your immune system, and reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses. The major benefits of having a balanced diet include:

1. Increased energy levels: A balanced diet is an ideal way to provide your body with the essential nutrients to function at its best, resulting in increased energy levels and improved productivity.
2. Weight management: Having a balanced diet provides you with the essential nutrients your body needs without any extra calories, which helps in maintaining a healthy body weight.
3. Reduced risk for chronic illnesses: Eating nutrients-rich foods daily can help prevent chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancers.
4. Improved digestive health: A balanced diet contains the right amount of fibers, vegetables, and probiotics, which helps in promoting regular bowel movements and a healthy gut microbiome.
5. Stronger bones and teeth: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, calcium and magnesium can make your bones and teeth stronger.
6. Enhanced skin health: Eating a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits helps improve skin health, reducing acne, premature signs of aging and other skin problems. Also, a balanced diet contains vitamins, protein, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, zinc, and selenium to help promote healthy hair growth.
7. Improved mental health: Several studies have found that a balanced diet favourably impacts mental health. It can help support brain functions, stress management, and mood regulation, reducing the risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.

From preventing chronic disease like type 2 diabetes and heart disease to managing a healthy weight, having a balanced diet may help you in several ways. Also, a balanced diet provides essential nutrients to improve energy levels and general wellness. If you are facing difficulties creating a balanced diet, you can also take professional advice.