Question: What is the best diet for growth, other than five fruit and veg a day?

Keith Siew answered on 27 Jun 2013:

Variety is the spice of life! It’s good to have a mixed varied diet to keep you bother interested and try new foods but also ensure you get the right amounts of nutrients (be they vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, etc…).

Food scientists, dieticians and nutritionists are still debating what qualifies as a “good diet” let alone the “best” diet… as it would be slightly different for everyone! A big 6ft2 male who does alot of rugby would probably need much more protein in his diet and carbohydrates to maintain muscle growth and keep energy levels high. Whereas a growing baby girl might need much more calcium and omega fatty acids for healthy bones and brain development.

So the “best” diet is very subjective… and we scientists don’t always get it right… the recommended daily amounts of vitamin C for example may be grossly underestimated… and the whole calories system is flawed as it runs on the assumption that your digestive system is basically an incinerator with 100%! Think about it… maybe two raw carrots have 200 calories and then this piece of chocolate brownies also has 200 hundred calories… which do you think your body is going to have an easier time extracting those calories from and absorbing them!

So as I said… a mixed and varied diet where you strike a balance is best… the guidelines that are out there (like the one Heather linked to) are quite good… but not perfect!