BIOLOGY Volume 1 - A Guide to General Biology - 2004

8. HETEROTROPHIC NUTRITION

8.7. Human Nutrition

8.7.2. Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is a diet that provides the exact proportions and amounts of various nutrients, Water, and dietary fiber necessary to maintain human health. Broadly speaking, CARBOHYDRATES and fats are required for energy production, Proteins for growth and repair processes, and Vitamins and Trace Elements to "protect" health and prevent deficiency diseases.

Individual nutritional requirements vary depending on sex, age, activity level, body size, and ambient Temperature (less food is required in a warm climate).

Last update: 06/08/2026

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