Why is it important to have a balanced diet?

A balanced diet ensures that the body has the vitamins and nutrients it needs to properly function, according to Healthline. It's recommended that individuals get a majority of their daily caloric intake from fresh vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains.

Without a balanced diet, the human body becomes susceptible to disease and is more prone to infection and fatigue and organs and tissues operate inefficiently, notes Healthline. A child who has a poor diet is more likely to have developmental and growth issues. Besides the above health complications, an unbalanced diet paired with a lack of exercise may also lead to obesity and diabetes.