What are healthy diets? Joint statement by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization

Healthy diets can also contribute to an adequate body weight. Healthy dietary practices start early in life. For all of these, there is a direct link between the amount of alcohol consumed and the likelihood of illness, injury or death – the more alcohol you drink, the higher the risk. Tobacco use or exposure to tobacco smoking affects almost all organs of the human body and has a negative impact on health across the life course.
  • People are now consuming more foods high in energy, fats, free sugars and salt/sodium, and many people do not eat enough fruit, vegetables and other dietary fibre such as whole grains.
  • If your blood pressure is high, get the advice of a health worker.
  • Some food manufacturers are reformulating recipes to reduce the sodium content of their products, and people should be encouraged to check nutrition labels to see how much sodium is in a product before purchasing or consuming it.
  • Have your blood pressure checked regularly by a health worker so you know your numbers.
  • If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to heart, brain, kidney and other diseases.
  • It protects you against many chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
  • A reduction to less than 5% of total energy intake would provide additional health benefits (7).
In both adults and children, the intake of free sugars should be reduced to less than 10% of total energy intake (2, 7). Some food manufacturers are reformulating recipes to reduce the sodium content of their products, and people should be encouraged to check nutrition labels to see how much sodium is in a product before purchasing or consuming it. Reducing the amount of total fat intake to less than 30% of total energy intake helps to prevent unhealthy weight gain in the adult population (1, 2, 3). Learn more about healthy nutrition in the WHO/Europe factsheet linked on this webpage. These foods should be prepared without added salt or sugar.

How can everyone lead an active lifestyle?

  • Healthy dietary practices start early in life.
  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet is especially important for young children's development.
  • Tobacco use or exposure to tobacco smoking affects almost all organs of the human body and has a negative impact on health across the life course.
  • Reducing salt intake to the recommended level of less than 5 g per day could prevent 1.7 million deaths each year (12).
  • The exact make-up of a diet will vary depending onindividual characteristics, preferences and beliefs, cultural context, locallyavailable foods and dietary customs.
  • Continued breastfeeding is encouraged up to 2 years of age and beyond, as it remains an important source of nutrition and immune protection.
  • (14) Global strategy on diet, physical activity and health.
  • A healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition.
A healthy diet helps to protect against malnutrition in all of its forms, as well as NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases (including heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes and some cancers. A healthy diet comprises a combination of different foods. Consuming a healthy diet throughout the life-course helps prevent malnutrition in all its forms as well as a range of noncommunicable diseases and conditions. Governments have a central role in creating a healthy food environment that enables people to adopt and maintain healthy dietary practices. Consuming a healthy diet throughout the life-course helps to prevent malnutrition in all its forms as well as a range of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and conditions.
  • These targets include a halt to the rise in diabetes and obesity, and a 30% relative reduction in the intake of salt by 2025.
  • This will help prevent unhealthy weight gain and NCDs.
  • Avoid overcooking vegetables and fruit as this can lead to the loss of important vitamins.
  • Go to your nearest health facility to check out the health services, screenings and treatment that are accessible to you.
  • ShimizuRegular check-ups can help find health problems before they start.
  • Governments have a central role in creating a healthy food environment that enables people to adopt and maintain healthy dietary practices.
  • It also helps them to avoid a diet that is high in sugars, fats and salt, which can lead to unhealthy weight gain (i.e. overweight and obesity) and noncommunicable diseases.
People are now consuming more foods high in energy, fats, free sugars and salt/sodium, and many people do not eat enough fruit, vegetables and other dietary fibre such as whole grains. People are consuming more foods high in energy, fats, free sugars or salt/sodium, and many do not eat enough fruit, vegetables and dietary fibre such as whole grains. For snacks, choose raw vegetables and fresh fruit, rather than foods that are high in sugars, fats or salt. It also helps them to avoid a diet that is high in sugars, fats and salt, which can lead to unhealthy weight gain (i.e. overweight and obesity) and noncommunicable diseases. Based on this work, WHO/Europe introduced the quick buys – the 25 policies targeting key risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity) and disease groups (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases and cancers). Salt, sodium and potassium But the increased production of processed food, rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles have led to a shift in dietary patterns. (14) Global strategy on diet, physical activity and health. Effects of total fat intake on body weight. These targets include a halt to the rise in diabetes and obesity, and a 30% relative reduction in the intake of salt by 2025. Consuming free sugars increases the risk of dental caries (tooth decay). Practical advice on maintaining a healthy diet

Practical advice on maintaining a healthy diet

Most people consume too much sodium through salt (corresponding to consuming an average of 9–12 g of salt per day) and not enough potassium (less than 3.5 g). In the first 2 years of a child’s life, optimal nutrition fosters healthy growth and improves cognitive development. By promoting comprehensive strategies – from legal frameworks and school-based programmes to digital policy regulation – WHO helps countries create healthier environments that empower individuals to make informed choices and reduce NCD risks. Nutritious, safe diets are essential before and during pregnancy and while breastfeeding to support maternal and child health. From 6 months onwards, breastfeeding should continue alongside the introduction of safe, diverse and nutrient-dense complementary foods.
  • A healthy diet helps to protect against malnutrition in all of its forms, as well as NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases (including heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
  • Reduce intake of harmful fats
  • The amount of physical activity you need depends on your age group but adults aged years should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week.
  • But the increased production of processed food, rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles have led to a shift in dietary patterns.
  • Most people consume too much sodium through salt (corresponding to consuming an average of 9–12 g of salt per day) and not enough potassium (less than 3.5 g).
  • Excess calories from foods and drinks high in free sugars also contribute to unhealthy weight gain, which can lead to overweight and obesity.

For infants and young children

There are different types of fats, but unsaturated fats are preferable over saturated fats and trans-fats. Reduce intake of harmful fats You can improve your intake of fruits and vegetables by always including veggies in your meal; eating fresh fruit and vegetables as snacks; eating a variety of fruits and vegetables; and eating them in season.
  • Fats consumed should be less than 30% of your total energy intake.
  • People are consuming more foods high in energy, fats, free sugars or salt/sodium, and many do not eat enough fruit, vegetables and dietary fibre such as whole grains.
  • By eating healthy,  you will reduce your risk of malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.
  • The exact make-up of a diet will vary depending onindividual characteristics, preferences and beliefs, cultural context, locallyavailable foods and dietary customs.
  • On its own, breast milk provides all the nutrients and fluids that babies need for their first 6 months of healthy growth and development.
  • Similarly, those whose diets are high in sugars have a greater risk of becoming overweight or obese, and an increased risk of tooth decay.
  • Eat only limited amounts of processed meats because these are high in fat and salt.
Do not smoke and do not use any other types of tobacco or nicotine products
People who reduce the amount of sugars in their diet may also reduce their risk of noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease and stroke. People whose diets are high in sodium (including salt) have a greater risk of high blood pressure, which can increase their risk of heart disease and stroke. Avoid processed, baked and fried foods that contain industrially produced trans-fat. Healthy diet: Keys to eating well Adults should eat at least five portions (400g) of fruit and vegetables per day. Here are 10 practical health tips to help you start off towards healthy living in 2025. The principles provide the basis for the design of policiesaimed at improving diet and for the assessment of the healthiness of diets. Eat only limited amounts of processed meats because these are high in fat and salt. When possible, choose white meat (e.g. poultry) and fish, which are generally low in fats, rather than red meat.
  • You can improve your intake of fruits and vegetables by always including veggies in your meal; eating fresh fruit and vegetables as snacks; eating a variety of fruits and vegetables; and eating them in season.
  • People are often unaware of the amount of salt they consume.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life to ensure optimal growth, development and health.
  • Reducing the amount of total fat intake to less than 30% of total energy intake helps to prevent unhealthy weight gain in the adult population (1, 2, 3).
  • These targets include a halt to the rise in diabetes and obesity, and a 30% relative reduction in the intake of salt by 2025.
  • Diet evolves over time, being influenced by many social and economic factors that interact in a complex manner to shape individual dietary patterns.
  • As a next step, WHO/Europe analysed how specific public health measures can have a positive impact on population health across Europe and central Asia in as little as 5 years.
  • Reduce your salt intake to 5g per day, equivalent to about one teaspoon.
Opting for a balanced, adequate and varied diet is an important step towards a healthy lifestyle. It is important to have a diet that includes a variety of foods across all food groups. Alcohol consumption is causally linked to over 200 health conditions and other risks, including liver diseases, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, road injuries, violence and suicide.
health tips for 2025
Fats consumed should be less than 30% of your total energy intake. You can reduce your sugar intake by limiting the consumption of sugary snacks, candies and sugar-sweetened beverages. Start the new year with the evergreen resolution to lead a healthier lifestyle. Try also to opt for low-fat or reduced fat versions of milk and dairy products. In later life, those who were breastfed as infants are less likely to become overweight or obese, or to suffer from noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
  • Governments have a central role in creating a healthy food environment that enables people to adopt and maintain healthy dietary practices.
  • It also helps them to avoid a diet that is high in sugars, fats and salt, which can lead to unhealthy weight gain (i.e. overweight and obesity) and noncommunicable diseases.
  • Based on this work, WHO/Europe introduced the quick buys – the 25 policies targeting key risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity) and disease groups (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases and cancers).
  • Learn more about healthy nutrition in the WHO/Europe factsheet linked on this webpage.
  • Eating a variety of whole (i.e. unprocessed) and fresh foods every day helps children and adults to obtain the right amounts of essential nutrients.
  • ShimizuRegular check-ups can help find health problems before they start.
  • Adults should eat at least five portions (400g) of fruit and vegetables per day.
  • Avoid overcooking vegetables and fruit as this can lead to the loss of important vitamins.
The exact make-up of a diet will vary depending onindividual characteristics, preferences and beliefs, cultural context, locallyavailable foods and dietary customs. Similarly, those whose diets are high in sugars have a greater risk of becoming overweight or obese, and an increased risk of tooth decay. (15) Set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children. In 2010, the Health Assembly endorsed a set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children (15). Salt is also added to foods during cooking (e.g. bouillon, stock cubes, soy sauce and fish sauce) or at the point of consumption (e.g. table salt). A reduction to less than 5% of total energy intake would provide additional health benefits (7). Intake of potassium can be increased by consuming fresh fruit and vegetables. Reducing salt intake to the recommended level of less than 5 g per day could prevent 1.7 million deaths each year (12).
For adults
From birth to 6 months of age, feed babies exclusively with breast milk (i.e. give them no other food or drink) and feed them on demand (i.e. as often as they want, day and night). It protects you against many chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Global sodium consumption and death from cardiovascular causes. (9) Comprehensive implementation plan on maternal, infant and young child nutrition. With many countries now seeing a rapid rise in obesity among infants and children, in May 2014 WHO set up the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity.
  • People who reduce the amount of sugars in their diet may also reduce their risk of noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
  • Salt is also added to foods during cooking (e.g. bouillon, stock cubes, soy sauce and fish sauce) or at the point of consumption (e.g. table salt).
  • In the first 2 years of a child’s life, optimal nutrition fosters healthy growth and improves cognitive development.
  • Alcohol consumption is causally linked to over 200 health conditions and other risks, including liver diseases, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, road injuries, violence and suicide.
  • Opting for a balanced, adequate and varied diet is an important step towards a healthy lifestyle.
  • WHO recommends consuming less than 5% of total energy intake for additional health benefits.
  • Start the new year with the evergreen resolution to lead a healthier lifestyle.
By eating healthy,  you will reduce your risk of malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. A healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition. Excess calories from foods and drinks high in free sugars also contribute to unhealthy weight gain, which can lead to overweight and obesity. Eating at least 400 g, or five portions, of fruit and vegetables per day reduces the risk of NCDs (2) and helps to ensure an adequate daily intake of dietary fibre. How can everyone lead an active lifestyle? Salt, sodium and potassium Use unsaturated vegetable oils (e.g. olive, soy, sunflower or corn oil) rather than animals fats or oils high in saturated fats (e.g. butter, ghee, lard, coconut and palm oil). Fats and oils are concentrated sources of energy, and eating too much fat, particularly the wrong kinds of fat, can be harmful to health. Vegetables and fruit are important sources of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, plant protein and antioxidants. As a next step, WHO/Europe analysed how specific public health measures can have a positive impact on population health across Europe and central Asia in as little as 5 years. WHO is committed to supporting countries in creating a healthier living environment for all citizens of the Region. Continued breastfeeding is encouraged up to 2 years of age and beyond, as it remains an important source of nutrition and immune protection. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life to ensure optimal growth, development and health. Diet evolves over time, being influenced by many social and economic factors that interact in a complex manner to shape individual dietary patterns. Potassium can mitigate the negative effects of elevated sodium consumption on blood pressure. People are often unaware of the amount of salt they consume. It also reduces the risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing NCDs later in life.
  • By eating healthy,  you will reduce your risk of malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.
  • Healthy diets promote health, growth anddevelopment, support active lifestyles, prevent nutrient deficiencies andexcesses, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, foodborne diseases andpromote wellbeing.
  • Fats consumed should be less than 30% of your total energy intake.
  • People are consuming more foods high in energy, fats, free sugars or salt/sodium, and many do not eat enough fruit, vegetables and dietary fibre such as whole grains.
  • Similarly, those whose diets are high in sugars have a greater risk of becoming overweight or obese, and an increased risk of tooth decay.
  • Fats and oils are concentrated sources of energy, and eating too much fat, particularly the wrong kinds of fat, can be harmful to health.
  • Make sure you only take antibiotics if prescribed by a qualified health professional.
  • Trans-fat may occur naturally in certain meat and milk products, but the industrially produced trans-fat (e.g. partially hydrogenated oils) present in various processed foods is the main source.
  • Eat only limited amounts of processed meats because these are high in fat and salt.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is especially important for young children's development. Eating a variety of whole (i.e. unprocessed) and fresh foods every day helps children and adults to obtain the right amounts of essential nutrients. Here is some useful information, based on WHO recommendations, to follow a healthy diet, and the benefits of doing so.
  • (9) Comprehensive implementation plan on maternal, infant and young child nutrition.
  • It also reduces the risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing NCDs later in life.
  • There are different types of fats, but unsaturated fats are preferable over saturated fats and trans-fats.
  • Eat a combination of different foods, including fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains.
  • A healthy diet comprises a combination of different foods.
  • In both adults and children, the intake of free sugars should be reduced.
  • Consuming a healthy diet throughout the life-course helps to prevent malnutrition in all its forms as well as a range of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and conditions.
Avoid overcooking vegetables and fruit as this can lead to the loss of important vitamins. On its own, breast milk provides all the nutrients and fluids that babies need for their first 6 months of healthy growth and development. At 6 months of age, introduce a variety of safe and nutritious foods to complement breastfeeding, and continue to breastfeed until babies are 2 years of age or beyond. Go to your nearest health facility to check out the health services, screenings and treatment that are accessible to you. Health professionals can help find and diagnose health issues early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better. ShimizuRegular check-ups can help find health problems before they start. Hand hygiene is critical not only for health workers but for everyone.

Healthy diet: Keys to eating well

  • For snacks, choose raw vegetables and fresh fruit, rather than foods that are high in sugars, fats or salt.
  • Healthy diets can also contribute to an adequate body weight.
  • In 2010, the Health Assembly endorsed a set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children (15).
  • Avoid processed, baked and fried foods that contain industrially produced trans-fat.
  • These foods should be prepared without added salt or sugar.
  • Here is some useful information, based on WHO recommendations, to follow a healthy diet, and the benefits of doing so.
  • In later life, those who were breastfed as infants are less likely to become overweight or obese, or to suffer from noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
  • Vegetables and fruit are important sources of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, plant protein and antioxidants.
In both adults and children, the intake of free sugars should be reduced. Eat a combination of different foods, including fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains. Healthy diets promote health, growth anddevelopment, support active lifestyles, prevent nutrient deficiencies andexcesses, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, foodborne diseases andpromote wellbeing. When cooking and preparing foods, limit the amount of salt and high-sodium condiments (e.g. soy sauce and fish sauce).
  • Consuming a healthy diet throughout the life-course helps prevent malnutrition in all its forms as well as a range of noncommunicable diseases and conditions.
  • Use unsaturated vegetable oils (e.g. olive, soy, sunflower or corn oil) rather than animals fats or oils high in saturated fats (e.g. butter, ghee, lard, coconut and palm oil).
  • When possible, choose white meat (e.g. poultry) and fish, which are generally low in fats, rather than red meat.
  • The principles provide the basis for the design of policiesaimed at improving diet and for the assessment of the healthiness of diets.
  • Here are 10 practical health tips to help you start off towards healthy living in 2025.
  • When using canned or dried vegetables and fruit, choose varieties without added salt and sugars
  • Potassium can mitigate the negative effects of elevated sodium consumption on blood pressure.
  • Intake of potassium can be increased by consuming fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • Increase moderate-intensity physical activity to 300 minutes per week for additional health benefits.
Trans-fat may occur naturally in certain meat and milk products, but the industrially produced trans-fat (e.g. partially hydrogenated oils) present in various processed foods is the main source. For example, people who eat too much saturated fat and trans-fat are at higher risk of heart disease and stroke. People whose diets are rich in vegetables and fruit have a significantly lower risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain types of cancer. When using canned or dried vegetables and fruit, choose varieties without added salt and sugars Make sure you only take antibiotics if prescribed by a qualified health professional. Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest public health threats in our generation. If your blood pressure is high, get the advice of a health worker. Have your blood pressure checked regularly by a health worker so you know your numbers. If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. This is because many people who have hypertension may not be aware of the problem as it may not have any symptoms. Increase moderate-intensity physical activity to 300 minutes per week for additional health benefits. The amount of physical activity you need depends on your age group but adults aged years should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week. Once you do, you will experience immediate and long-term health benefits. Use of smokeless tobacco products can result in serious, sometimes fatal, health problems. This will help prevent unhealthy weight gain and NCDs. WHO recommends consuming less than 5% of total energy intake for additional health benefits. Reduce your salt intake to 5g per day, equivalent to about one teaspoon.