If you think that there is such a thing as a 'Proper Diet' for every individual think again! The phrase 'Proper Diet' can be rather misleading as it may not apply to all individuals. That is why we have broad categories and food groups that are common to most people's diet.
Over the last six decades diet fads have come and gone but one thing that has remained constant and which has been backed by extensive research in the field of Nutritional sciences is that a good diet is nothing but a Balanced diet.
Fad diets have become somewhat of a rage these days but most of them tend to overemphasize the importance of only one kind of food group like carbohydrates or fruits/vegetables instead of focusing on having a balance of them all.
In order to optimize ones health one should try and include a balanced portion of fruits,vegetables,grains, fiber, dairy products especially fresh milk and a protein source daily. People should also tailor their diets so as to meet their special dietary requirements and be aware of allergic reactions to certain foods such as peanuts etc.
Nutritionists the world over recommend the four traditional food groups in the proper proportion as they supply just the right amounts of nutrients required for increasing metabolism,performing muscle and electrolyte maintenance,repairing cells and producing the energy required to sustain these bodily functions.
Science has proven that it is in fact natural products and not marketing gimmicks that determines what the bodies need. Every food group has a vital part to play in attaining optimal health.
For example it is foods rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables and grains that act as Insoluble fiber that aid in digestion and cleanse our systems.
Similarly, vitamins such as D,B,E and K and minerals such a Lithium,Calcium and Potassium help in carrying out biochemical reactions essential to a healthy body. The vital muscles of the heart require moderate amounts of Sodium and Potassium in order to pump blood throughout the body.
Proteins also play a very important role in overall health. The body requires this food group in order to produce amino acids so that it can produce new proteins to be used for building muscle.
But above all these , Carbohydrates especially those that are easily converted to glucose are needed in order to supply the energy required for all the other processes to occur. This fundamental process is known as the Krebs Cycle that converts sugar into Adenosine diphosphate(ADP) which is then converted into Adenosine Triphosphate(ATP) thereby releasing energy.
Fad diets may supply many of these essentials but in reality they tend to do so in the wrong proportion and may also contain certain additional components such as excessive fats or complex sugars that are not helpful and can in fact be quite harmful if taken in excess.
The key to good health thus lies in moderation and regular balanced portions contrary to what the diet world believes.
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