Question

What do you mean by a balanced diet and malnutrition?

Answer 1

Hint:Balanced diet refers to the nutrients that are required by the body for the proper functioning of it. Lack of some or most of the nutrients in an individual’s diet is called malnutrition.

Complete answer:
A balanced diet refers to food that contains all the nutrients in the right proportion. A balanced diet is required for the good growth and development of children. Both children and adults require a balanced diet for maintaining good health. A balanced diet fulfills a person’s nutritional needs. A balanced diet is needed by humans to meet a certain amount of calories and nutrients to stay healthy.

It is said that a balanced diet comprises foods from five groups. These five groups include vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, and dairy. A balanced diet is essential as it provides nutrients to our body. In absence of balanced nutrition, our body is more prone to disease, infection, fatigue, and low performance.

Malnutrition can be defined as a condition that is basically caused by eating a diet that does not supply a healthy amount of one or more nutrients. Malnutrition can cause various health issues, such as eye problems, stunted growth, diabetes, and heart disease. It affects both children and adults mostly due to poor quality of nutrient intake, absorption, or utilization. Malnutrition has been broadly classified into two categories: Protein-energy malnutrition - It results from deficiencies in any or all nutrients. Micronutrient deficiency diseases - It results from a deficiency of specific micronutrients.

Note:It is to be noted that a healthy diet along with exercise, an ample amount of good sleep, and positive thinking can comprise a balanced diet. The benefits of balanced diet is as follows,
>It can help in protecting the body against various kinds of diseases.
>It can help in maintaining a healthy body weight and also provide energy.
>It can improve brain function.
>It can lead to a good and sound sleep.