A Balanced Diet

A balanced diet can be defined in many ways. Usually it states that you must receive the correct amounts of each essential food type and nutrients, which are needed to ensure the body and all its organs, function to their full potential and to prevent disease and illness. These nutrients can be divided into macro or micro nutrients. Macro nutrients are carbohydrates which are the body's main source of energy which is used on a daily basis, proteins which are used to repair and maintain muscles and fats which are used within the body to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Micro nutrients are made up of fibres, which support the digestive system, and vitamins and minerals which support various functions within the body and support the immune system (http://www.livestrong.com/article/255366-definition-of-a-balanced-diet/). ‘The Eat Well Plate that is shown in figure 1 shows the various ways of keeping these nutrients within our diets and helps to distinguish areas which a person may be lacking or need further thought and attention. In addition to the ‘eat well plate', a recommended daily allowance chart has now been composed for male and female adults and children for various ages. These recommendations are shown in figure 2 (https://www.purelifestyle.co.uk/Article.aspx?Id=37) show these recommendations. A balanced diet also requires an adequate amount of water, as water is vital for certain functions within the body such as maintaining a stable body temperature, cushioning and protecting other organs, and can increase the body's metabolism (http://walking.about.com/cs/howtoloseweight/a/water011204.htm). A healthy diet also states that we should not consume any foods or substances that may be permanently harmful to the body. The true definition of a balanced diet is difficult to state precisely as each individual person may require more or less of these essential nutrients stated due to either lifestyle choices such as being a vegetarian in which case may not have an adequate protein intake, or due to illness for example someone with celiac disease would have difficulty with maintaining their carbohydrate intake from sources such as bread, wheat and rye.

There are many socioeconomic factors which can affect a person's choice of diet. The word ‘socioeconomic' has been defined from the source bsctats.gov.bc.ca as follows "the term refers to studies/indicators looking at both social and economic conditions relevant to well-being". There are many socioeconomic factors which may impact a person's health and diet. Factors such as individuals income, costs of food, levels and standards of education, accessibility and availability, individuals attitude and mood, cultural aspects and religion, social classes and time constraints. I am now going to look into these factors and how they may potentially lead to coronary heart disease. A person's income and social status can hugely affect a person's