In order for your body to run smoothly you will need the right amount of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, fibre and salt. Let's have a look at what these food stuffs provide your body with.

Carbohydrates

Your most important energy source, carbohydrates, contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Most of our carbohydrates come from starches, such as potatoes, rice, pasta, bread and cereal. The body works the starch over and produces glucose, which is transported in our blood and provides the body with energy.

The glucose in your food is absorbed without your system having to digest it first, that is why we can get sudden energy boosts from some foods. Some carbohydrates fuel your body with sucrose, which is the sugar we use for cereal or coffee. Sucrose needs to be digested to get into the blood, so the energy comes at a delay. The sucrose must be converted to glucose.

Proteins

Your body needs protein to grow and to repair itself. Proteins consist of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur. Since Protein molecules are rather large they need to be digested before their elements can be taken into the bloodstream. The digestive system turns the protein into amino acids for this purpose. Protein can be used as a source of energy for the body.

Fats

Fats are similar to carbohydrates in that they also contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Fats are used by the body as a source of energy, and as an insulating layer beneath the skin. Carbohydrates and proteins can be converted into fats by the body, so simply eliminating fat from your diet will not necessarily mean that you will lose weight, especially if you are overindulging in proteins and carbohydrates. Essentially you need to work out a balance between the energy producing foods you take in and the amount of energy you exert over the course of the day. So the more you exercise the more you can eat without gaining weight.

Some fats are vital for your body to function properly, since some vitamins require fats in order to be absorbed into your system.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins can be sourced from wholesome food, but you may choose to boost your intake with a vitamin supplement. Vitamin A is good for your eyes, Vitamin C assists your body in repairing itself and Vitamin D is needed for the absorption of calcium, which strengthens your teeth and bones. Iron is needed to make haemoglobin and keep your blood oxygen rich.

Fibre

The human digestive system cannot digest roughage, or cellulose, which is found in the cell walls of plants. The roughage is, however, very important for assisting the peristalsis movement of the intestines as they process your food. Slack off on the roughage and you will know all about it, with colon or rectum problems often resulting.

So those are the basic elements of a balanced diet. Make sure that you don't skimp or overindulge on any of these important foods.