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.
References:
Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. Rockville, MD: US Dept of Health and Human Services and US Dept of Agriculture; 2005.
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.
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