# Explain why a balanced diet must include both water and dietary fibre, even though neither provides the body with energy.

> WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) — 1.3.1 Diet and nutrition · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Water is needed as a solvent / for chemical reactions to take place in the body
2. Water is needed to transport dissolved substances around the body
3. Dietary fibre adds bulk to food / helps food move through the intestines / aids peristalsis
4. Without sufficient dietary fibre a person may suffer from constipation / bowel problems

## Key terms

- [balanced diet](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/balanced-diet)
- [dietary fibre](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/dietary-fibre)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-a-balanced-diet-must-35a50fb5) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.