Nutrients are components of food that are needed by the body in adequate amounts in order for us to grow, reproduce and lead a normal life.

Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is the diet which contains various groups of foods (such as energy yielding foods, body building foods and protective foods) in the correct proportions so as to provide all nutrients to the desired level of the human body. The proportion of intake of various foods will depend on age, sex, physical activity, economic status and the physiological state i.e. pregnancy or lactation.

Food Pyramid

The daily food guide has been devised as a practical method for selecting adequate food to meet the RDI of an individual or family. It takes into account usual meal patterns and the availability of foods. These factors may differ from country to country. A balanced diet may be formulated by selecting foods in adequate quantities keeping in mind the daily routine.