A balanced diet refers to intake of appropriate types and adequate amounts of foods and drinks to supply nutrition and energy for the maintenance of body cells, tissues, and organs, and to support normal growth and development.
Alternative Names:
Well-balanced diet
Function:
A well-balanced diet acts to provide sources of energy and nutrition for optimal growth and development.
Food Sources:
Milk group (milk and milk products)
milk, cheese, yogurt
Meat group (meat and meat substitutes)
meat: chicken, fish, beef, pork, lamb
legumes: beans and peas
nuts and seeds
Fruit and vegetable group
fruits
vegetables
Grain group (breads and cereals)
whole grain breads
enriched breads
rice
pasta
Side Effects:
An unbalanced diet can cause problems with maintenance of body tissues, growth and development, brain and nervous system function, as well as problems with bone and muscle systems.
Review Date: 3/8/2006
Reviewed By: Caroline M. Apovian, M.D., F.A.C.N., Associate Professor of Mediicne, Boston University School of Medicine and Director, Nutrition & Weight Management Center, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Nutrition
