A balanced diet offers numerous benefits to the human body, including the maintenance of healthy organ function, the preservation of the body’s metabolism, increased immunity, prevention of stunting, and the enhancement of concentration and memory. However, some individuals neglect the importance of good nutrition to the body and tend to prioritize taste and satiety over a balanced diet.
The concept of a balanced diet involves consuming a suitable amount of every nutrient required by the human body. Moreover, the ideal dietary pattern varies in different countries, influenced by physical and racial characteristics, varying nutritional needs, and natural resources. The Indonesian Ministry of Health, for example, refined the concept of a balanced diet to include a guideline for adopting a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity and personal hygiene.
A balanced diet helps in maintaining healthy organ function and preventing a decline in these functions as the body ages. Organs in the body require adequate nutrient intake to function correctly and support metabolic processes effectively. Poor eating habits can result in an inadequate nutrient absorption that leads to organ function impairment.
Moreover, a balanced diet aids in preserving the body’s metabolism. The proper functioning of metabolism for the body’s optimal functioning depends on the consumption of adequate nutrients in sufficient amounts, which involve all the body’s organs. Skipping any nutrient from a meal or following an unhealthy diet disrupts the balance leading to poor metabolism and function.
The consumption of a balanced diet increases immunity, giving the body a strong defense against chronic diseases and seasonal illnesses caused by changes in weather and the spread of contagious diseases.
A balanced diet is essential in preventing stunting, which is a result of long-term nutritional deficiency or a total lack of essential nutrients, leading to a considerable difference in height compared to other individuals of the same age.
Lastly, a balanced diet can improve an individual’s concentration and memory. Good nutrition supports the body to perform optimal brain function, enabling an individual to improve their cognitive abilities.
In conclusion, a balanced diet is critical to the human body’s effective functioning, preserving the metabolism, and the overall protection of the body against several chronic diseases. It can also enhance concentration and memory. Adequate nutrient intake should prioritize recommended dietary guidelines rather than taste or preference.
