Basic Science – Let’s Get a Balanced Diet on the Table

A balanced diet is a diet or meal that contains all six classes of food in its right proportions.
The six classes of food include:

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are energy-giving foods that provide your body with the necessary energy it needs to work.
Examples of foods that are rich in carbohydrate are yams, rice, maize, pap, bread etc.

Proteins: These are body-building foods that help your body repair worn-out tissues and helps your body to grow well.
Examples of protein are milk, eggs, meat, fish, beans etc.

Fats and Oils: These are foods that are very rich in energy. They also provide your body with warmth.
Examples are groundnut oil, avocados, palm oil, butter, etc.

Minerals: These are foods that provide your body with the necessary macro and micro-nutrients. Minerals help your organs in your body grow and develop.
Examples of foods that are rich in minerals are green vegetables, peppers, salt, tomatoes, bananas etc.

Vitamins: Vitamins helps fight off diseases and also help strengthen organs and tissues in the body.
Examples of foods that are rich in vitamins are fruits and vegetables.

Water: Water is vital for regulating the body temperature and digestion of food.
Sources of good drinking water are packaged water in sachets or bottles.

For healthy growth and living, we need to eat a balanced diet.
Some of the benefits of eating a balanced diet include:

A well-balanced diet provides your body with all the nutrients it needs to function properly.

Eating a balanced diet strengthens your immune system and fights diseases.

A balanced diet gives your body the necessary energy it needs to function.

Are you ready to answer some questions? I bet you are! Try these out…

1. What is a balanced diet?
A. A meal that contains some classes of food.
B. A diet that has only fruits and vegetables
C. A meal or diet that contains all the six classes of food.

2. All the following are classes of food except ___.
A. Yoghurt
B. Minerals
C. Water

Type in your answer in the comment box below. Let’s see if you are a good student. Want to learn some more? Gradely CatchUp! has got you covered.

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