What are the basic components of a balanced meal?

The correct answer highlights the essential components needed to create a balanced meal, which include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Proteins are crucial for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes, and supporting overall growth and maintenance of the body. Carbohydrates serve as the primary energy source, providing fuel for the body and brain. Fats, while often misunderstood, are essential for hormone production, nutrient absorption, and maintaining healthy cell membranes. Additionally, vitamins and minerals play a vital role in various biochemical processes, supporting immune function, energy production, and overall health.

Incorporating all these macronutrients and micronutrients into a meal ensures that the body receives a wide range of nutrients necessary for optimal functioning, supporting both physical and mental well-being.

Other options do not capture the full spectrum of nutrients required for a balanced meal. For example, those that solely mention proteins and fats without recognizing carbohydrates or essential vitamins and minerals would lack completeness, thereby failing to provide the necessary variety for dietary balance.