Why do we need to have a balanced diet.

A balanced diet consists of a meal with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that keeps the mind and body healthy. It can also prevent one from getting several diseases or health complications whilst enabling one to have control of their weight and sleep pattern, improving the function of the brain.

Here are five reasons why a balanced diet is beneficial to ones health:

Provides more energy
Having nutrient-dense foods provides the body with energy that lasts longer than easily digestible food like sugar. The main goal is to maintain body energy, and what one eats in a day will determine the amount of energy they will produce and how long. Eating proteins prevents one from unnecessary snacking as it effectively has significance for a longer time. Healthy fats are also a good source of providing power. However, unhealthy fats make one feel more sluggish because the body struggles to break down and absorb the toxic byproducts.

Control one’s weight
Eating foods with various nutrients will leave no room for foods that contain many calories, which are the cause of gaining weight. Foods like processed foods, fatty junk, and sugary snacks provide little nutritional value to one's body. Thus it may store the calories instead of using them to generate energy for the body. To avoid eating junk or snacks, one can eat carbohydrates such as oats, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes because they produce enough energy for the body for a more extended time.

More brainpower
The body cannot function without the brain. Thus it is essential to prioritize one’s brain by eating foods with high levels of nutrients like Omega 3 fatty acids as they provide the brain with benefits such as strengthened memory and fast learning capabilities. Omega 3 has proven to also fight mental health disorders like dementia and depression. Eating salmon, walnuts, avocado, and kiwi will provide the brain with Omega 3.

Fight diseases
Essential nutrients in a balanced diet produce germ-fighting cells that will strengthen one’s immune system. Deficiency in vitamins A, B, C, E, Zinc, and iron impairs the immune system; thus, one needs to include these vitamins in their meal plan. Fruits and vegetables in the production of white blood cells
boost the prevention of bacteria and infections. A balanced diet reduces the risk of heart diseases. For instance, vitamin C increases good cholesterol and lowers blood pressure, two main aspects of the heart system that need more intensive care.

Sleep well
 Rest is critical to any living thing because the muscles are trying to recover and stock up from the day's
activities during that time. Sleeping refreshes the brain giving it the room to function at a higher level the following day. People who do not get enough sleep tend to feel sluggish and have low levels of energy and concentration, which may lead them to crave unhealthy foods. Poor eating habits may interfere with the digestive system causing difficulties such as acidity that may prevent one from getting a good nap. This is why doctors advise people to avoid overeating at night and that they should ensure that there is an even space between meals.