A balanced diet should consist of the appropriate proportions of foods from all major food groups to provide your body with essential nutrition.
For optimal health, incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean meats, eggs and dairy into your meals. Furthermore, it should be low in fats and provide you with plenty of soluble fibre.
Fruits and Vegetables
A balanced diet should include a variety of different foods, such as fruits and vegetables. They’re excellent sources of essential nutrients like fibre and antioxidants.
Fruits and vegetables are beneficial for heart health as they contain low levels of saturated fat, salt and sugar which may help lower blood pressure and decrease your risk for heart disease and cancer.
They’re an excellent source of calcium, potassium and iron. Eating them regularly has also been known to benefit mental health.
Meat
A balanced diet should include a variety of foods, such as proteins, fruits and vegetables, grains, nuts and dairy products. Meat is an excellent source of protein which is necessary for energy production and muscle growth.
Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and supports heart health. But to get the most benefits, select lean meats and limit intake to no more than twice your body’s recommended serving size.
Red meat, such as beef, pork and lamb, is high in protein and an excellent source of iron, zinc, selenium, vitamins B12 and niacin. These nutrients are essential for building strong muscles, supporting a healthy immune system and producing healthy red blood cells.
Eggs
Eggs can help you maintain a healthy weight and increase energy levels. Plus, they contain protein and essential vitamins that provide sustained feeling of fullness for longer.
Eggs are not only a source of protein, but they’re also packed with essential vitamins A, B6, and folic acid. Plus, they contain vitamin D which aids in bone health.
Eggs are beneficial for eye health as they contain lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamins that protect against macular degeneration and cataracts.
Grains
Grains are the seeds of plants such as wheat, oats, corn, rice and barley. Other grains like amaranth, quinoa and buckwheat also contain seeds which can be classified as whole grains.
Sheep are an excellent source of fiber, B vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium and selenium. Not only do they make you feel full faster but they can also lower blood cholesterol levels which in turn lowers the risk for heart disease and cancer.
They provide essential proteins, fats and antioxidants. Eating fruits and vegetables regularly is not only a healthy choice for your diet; it should be part of every person’s daily eating pattern.
Dairy
Dairy products provide a wealth of essential nutrients, such as calcium which helps build strong bones. Furthermore, dairy is an excellent source of protein and vitamin D – both crucial for good health.
Many people do not get enough dairy in their diet, so it is essential to find healthy options so you can reap all its benefits.
Milk and other dairy products offer a wealth of nutrients, but they may also be high in fat and sugar. That is why it is so important to opt for lower-fat and sugar alternatives when making your choices.
Oils
Oils are fats that remain liquid at room temperature and come from various plants and fish sources. They provide essential nutrients like unsaturated fats and vitamin E.
Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, in particular, tend to be healthier for your heart than saturated fats.
They do not increase “bad” cholesterol levels in your blood and can actually help boost levels of “good” cholesterol.
Unsaturated fats can be found in a variety of foods, such as nuts, olives, some fish and vegetable oils. They provide an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids – essential for the body and known to reduce inflammation.
