About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

A Balanced Diet

Author -  Dr. Shalini Aul, MBBS, DND | Article Reviewed by Dietitian julia samuel, M.Phil on May 24, 2022
Font : A-A+

A Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is one that consists of essential macronutrients in the form of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and essential micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals and trace components as well as adequate amount of water in the right proportion.

Advertisement

Carbohydrates provide 70 to 80 percent of energy for the body. They are present in high quantities in grains such as wheat, rice, corn, and other foods like potato or honey and form the base of the food pyramid. Fruits and vegetables provide essential minerals, vitamins and antioxidants besides trace minerals, and are present in the next rung of the food pyramid. Proteins and fat are required to build body tissue and cells, and is also a source of energy for most organisms. Proteins are present mainly in dairy foods, meat, fish, nuts and legumes, and beans. Fats, oils, and refined sweets should be taken sparingly and comprise the smallest part of the food pyramid.

Medindia adheres to strict ethical publishing standards to provide accurate, relevant, and current health content. We source our material from reputable places such as peer-reviewed journals, academic institutions, research bodies, medical associations, and occasionally, non-profit organizations. We welcome and value audience feedback as a part of our commitment to health literacy and informed decision-making.
  1. Lanfer A, Hebestreit A, Ahrens W. Diet and eating habits in relation to the development of obesity in children and adolescents - (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20631972)
  2. Guerreiro S, Alçada M, Azevedo I. Sugary drinks and glycemia - (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20687984)
  3. Astrup A, Meinert Larsen T, Harper A. Atkins and other low-carbohydrate diets: hoax or an effective tool for weight loss? Lancet. 2004;364(9437):897–899. [PubMed]
  4. Wurtman RJ, Wurtman JJ. Brain serotonin, carbohydrate-craving, obesity and depression. Obes Res. 1995 Nov;3 Suppl 4:477S-480S - (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8697046)
  5. van Dam RM, Seidell JC Carbohydrate intake and obesity. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007 Dec;61 Suppl 1:S75-99 - (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17992188)
  6. Drewnowski A, Kurth C, Holden-Wiltse J, Saari J. Food preferences in human obesity: carbohydrates versus fats - (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1510463)
  7. Foster GD, Wyatt HR, Hill JO, McGuckin BG, Brill C, Mohammed BS, Szapary PO, Rader DJ, Edman JS, Klein S A randomized trial of a low-carbohydrate diet for obesity.
  8. Crapo, P. A., Reaven, G., Olefsky, J. (1976) Plasma glucose and insulin responses to orally administered simple and complex carbohydrates. Diabetes 25: 741–747.
  9. Jenkins, D. J., Wolever, T. M., Taylor, R. H., et al (1981) Glycemic index of foods: a physiological basis for carbohydrate exchange. Am J Clin Nutr. 34: 361–366.
  10. Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation (1998) Carbohydrates in human nutrition (FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 66) FAO Rome, Italy.
  11. Bell, S. J., Sears, BS. (2003) A proposal for a new national diet: a low-glycemic load diet with a unique macronutrient composition. Metab Syndrome Rel Disord. 1: 199–208.
  12. Bell, S. J., Sears, B. (2003) Low-glycemic-load diets: impact on obesity and chronic diseases. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 43: 357–377. | Article | PubMed | ISI |
  13. Brand-Miller, J. C., Holt, S. H. A., Pawlak, D. B., McMillan, J. (2002) Glycemic index and obesity. Am J Clin Nutr. 76(suppl): 281S–285S. | PubMed | ISI | ChemPort |
  14. Sandrou, D. K., Arvanitoyannis, IS. (2000) Low-fat/calorie foods: current state and perspectives. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutrition. 40: 427–447.
  15. Ludwig DS. The glycemic index - Physiological mechanisms relating to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. JAMA 2002; 287: 2414-2423
  16. Ludwig DS. The glycemic index - Physiological mechanisms relating to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. JAMA 2002; 287: 2414-2423
  17. Das SK, Saltzman E, Gilhooly CH, DeLany JP, Golden JK, Pittas AG, Dallal GE, Bhapkar MV, Fuss PJ, Dutta C, McCrory MA, Roberts SB. Low or moderate dietary energy restriction for long-term weight loss: what works best?Obesity (Silver Spring). 2009 Nov;17(11):2019-24. Epub 2009 Apr 23.
  18. Atkins, Robert (2003-09-25). Dr. Atkins'' New Diet Revolution, Revised Edition. .Evans. ISBN 978-1590770023.


Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Dr. Shalini Aul. (2022, May 24). A Balanced Diet. Medindia. Retrieved on Sep 22, 2023 from https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/carbohydrates-and-its-role-in-obesity-balanced-diet.htm.

  • MLA

    Dr. Shalini Aul. "A Balanced Diet". Medindia. Sep 22, 2023. <https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/carbohydrates-and-its-role-in-obesity-balanced-diet.htm>.

  • Chicago

    Dr. Shalini Aul. "A Balanced Diet". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/carbohydrates-and-its-role-in-obesity-balanced-diet.htm. (accessed Sep 22, 2023).

  • Harvard

    Dr. Shalini Aul. 2022. A Balanced Diet. Medindia, viewed Sep 22, 2023, https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/carbohydrates-and-its-role-in-obesity-balanced-diet.htm.


Post a Comment

Comments should be on the topic and should not be abusive. The editorial team reserves the right to review and moderate the comments posted on the site.

Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Get Health and Wellness Secrets from Our Engaging eBooks
Advertisement
Health Topics A - Z
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Advertisement
What's New on Medindia
Quiz on Poisoning (Advance)
Remembering Those Who Can't: World Alzheimer's Day
Tooth Discoloration
View all
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot