The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday urged the public to embrace balanced and healthy eating habits, stressing that good nutrition is not about perfection but about making small, consistent choices every day to improve overall wellbeing.
The WHO, in a statement issued to mark the World Nutrition Day, said adopting healthier diets could significantly reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke and some forms of cancer, which continued to pose major public health concerns globally.
The World Nutrition Day, observed annually on May 28, seeks to highlight the importance of healthy eating habits.
Health experts have recommended that adults should consume at least 400 grammes of fruits and vegetables daily to support good health and strengthen the body’s immune system.
They also warned against excessive salt intake, noting that too much salt increased the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
They advised limiting the consumption of free sugars to less than 10 per cent of daily calorie intake to help prevent obesity and related health conditions.
Whole grains, beans, lentils, fruits and vegetables have also been identified as essential foods that help to maintain a healthy digestive system and promote overall body health.
Individuals and families have been advised to adopt simple but effective healthy eating practices, including choosing fresh or minimally processed foods, drinking more water, steaming or boiling meals instead of frying, limiting sugary drinks and salty snacks, and increasing fibre-rich foods in daily meals.
Healthy eating habits should also begin early in life to support proper growth and development, however, it was never too late for anyone to make positive dietary changes, the experts say.
As the World Nutrition Day is observed, the public is being reminded that healthier lifestyles could start with small daily decisions that contribute to long-term health and wellbeing.
