A well-balanced diet is one of the cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle. In order to function correctly, your body needs to be supplied with the right combination of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Eating well can help to maintain a healthy body weight, as well as preventing a variety of diseases and health problems. It can also help you to feel more energetic, and generally promote a feeling of well-being.
A balanced diet includes a wide variety of wholesome foods, and this type of diet makes it much easier to attain and keep a healthy body weight. Such a diet involves eating plenty of whole grains, vegetables, and fruit, alongside smaller portions of dairy and meat products, although these can be compensated for with other foodstuffs if you are vegan or vegetarian. Eating plenty of nutrient-dense foods leaves less room in your stomach for calorie-dense foods, such as fatty or sugary snacks and processed foods which tend to expand the waistline.
Maintaining a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet is important to keep the immune system functioning at its optimum level. Even small deficiencies in some nutrients can impair the functioning of the immune system. Also, a balanced diet will improve the flow of blood around your body, which can help fight infections.

 A healthy lifestyle and diet can also help to prevent heart disease. In particular, foodstuffs that are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, such as oily fish and pulses, can have a hugely beneficial effect on heart health, especially in combination with other healthy foods such as unrefined whole grains and dark green vegetables.
Perhaps the most immediately noticeable benefits of a healthy diet is the boost in energy that it will give you. Healthy carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetable and legumes are processed slowly in the body, keeping blood sugar and insulin levels steady throughout the day, providing a constant supply of energy. Healthy proteins, as found in lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and nuts, are also vital for energy levels. For more information about the benefits of a healthy diet, visit the World Health Organisation website.

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