Healthy eating is essential for maintaining good health, preventing diseases, and improving overall well-being. A balanced diet provides the body with essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy diet helps prevent malnutrition and reduces the risk of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers [1].
A healthy diet should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and protein sources such as fish, eggs, and beans. These foods support growth, tissue repair, immune function, and overall body functioning. The WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) identify adequacy, balance, moderation, and diversity as fundamental principles of a healthy diet [2].
The WHO recommends that people older than 10 years consume at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables daily. It also advises limiting free sugars to less than 10% of total daily energy intake and salt consumption to less than 5 grams per day [1]. These measures can help reduce health risks and support long-term wellbeing.
Making healthier food choices does not have to be complicated. Eat a variety of nutritious foods, drink sufficient clean water, practise good food hygiene, and limit foods high in salt, free sugars, and unhealthy fats. Combined with regular physical activity, these habits can improve quality of life and support better health.
Your health begins with the choices you make every day. Start with small, healthier food choices and encourage your family and community to do the same.
Act today: Choose a balanced meal, add more fruits and vegetables to your diet, and make healthy eating a daily habit.
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References
[1] World Health Organization. (2026, January 26). Healthy diet.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet
[2] World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2024). What are healthy diets? Joint statement by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240101876
