Why is it so important for a diet to be balanced? Because different foods provide distinct nutrients, all of which, the human body needs to not only thrive, but, to also help in reducing risks of chronic disease. It is also important to consume adiet that is low in fat and processed sugar because both of these have direct links to chronic disease, such as, high cholesterol that leads to heart disease, and obesity that leads to type 2 diabetes and other serious conditions.