The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has urged the adoption and consumption of healthy diets as a consistent lifestyle habit.
It said this in a report released on Thursday, emphasising that eating healthy should not be limited to a New Year’s resolution that is abandoned as the year progresses.
It added that the food consumed directly affects how the body functions.
In 2024, FAO reported that more than 600 million people fell ill, and 420,000 died every year due to consuming food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, and chemicals.
In its report, FAO noted that while diets vary widely across the globe due to factors like access, income, habits, and culture, healthy diets play a critical role in maintaining overall health and strengthening immune systems and should therefore be prioritized.
Sharing tips on maintaining a healthy diet regardless of location, affordability, and accessibility, the United Nations emphasized that food variety is the key approach.
It said, “Eat a variety of foods within each and across all the food groups to ensure adequate intake of important nutrients.
“Fruits and vegetables provide loads of vitamins and minerals as well as the fibre that we need for a healthy diet, so minimally processed frozen or canned fruits and vegetables are a good choice for limiting your trips to the market or supermarket.
“However, be sure to pay attention to the ingredients in the canning and processing of these products; sometimes sugar, salt, or preservatives are added.
“Pulses, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats such as those in olive, sesame, peanut, or other unsaturated oils can support your immune system and help to reduce inflammation, as pulses, in particular, are environmentally friendly and a generally inexpensive source of protein.
“Beans, peas, lupins, and other pulses are full of vitamins and minerals that, when part of an overall healthy diet, can help reduce the risk of diseases like diabetes and coronary conditions.
“In times of high stress, many people turn to snack food; unfortunately, these are often high in fat, sugar, salt, and calories, which if not consumed in moderation can over time affect your overall health.”.
As a good habit, the FAO urged consumers to check the labels of all the foods they eat to learn about their ingredients and nutritional value.
