There are several therapeutic benefits of a well balanced diet such as:
1. Fuel to perform daily activities
Every single act performed by your body - no matter how small or mundane the task may seem , uses energy.
A diet deficient in foods that supply energy, and the necessary vitamins and minerals to make this energy available, can lead to serious health problems, not to speak of starvation.
By ensuring proper energy, vitamin and mineral intake by means of the foods you eat, you'll provide your body with the necessary fuel needed to do all the tasks required to maintain life.
2. Nutrients for the body's cells
The body functions by means of a very intricate set of systems that work in perfect synchronisation to make life possible.
A diet deficient in vital nutrients will soon lead to disease. By eating foods from a variety of different sources : both animal-based and plant-based ,you will provide your body with the essential nutrients without which its cells cannot function.
3. Growth and repair of tissue
Just as builders need special materials to renovate a home, your body demands certain nutrients for its "construction zone": the growth and repair of tissue.
Good nutrition has the advantage that it ensures growth (during childhood and pregnancy), healing and the maintenance and build-up of muscle mass. For these essential processes to take place, the body needs energy, certain vitamins and minerals, but especially protein on a daily basis.
4. Reinforcing the immune system
You can enable your body to fight disease more effectively with the foods you eat.
You probably already know that the vitamin C in oranges helps to ward off infection. This vitamin boosts immunity by increasing the production of B- and T-cells and other white blood cells, including those that destroy foreign microorganisms.
5. Preventing chronic diseases of lifestyle
Good nutrition can be used as a tool to combat chronic diseases of lifestyle.
Here, one of the most important steps is to achieve and maintain a healthy weight by following an energy-controlled diet. It is a well-known fact that obesity and overweight can lead to chronic diseases, like diabetes type 2, heart disease, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and some cancers.
6. Maintaining good mental health
Diet can play an important role in thwarting the blues.
The most basic principle in preventing depression and mood swings, is to eat a balanced diet that contains foods from all the different food groups - fruit and vegetables, unprocessed grains and cereals, lean meat, eggs, milk and dairy products, legumes and nuts, poly- or monounsaturated margarine and oils.
7. Ensuring healthy teeth and bones
A nutritious diet also ensures the health of your teeth and bones.
A balanced, calcium-rich diet ; especially during your childhood, teen and early adult years has the advantage that it will ensure an adequate peak bone mass throughout life. This will prevent osteoporosis in later life.