The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has urged the adoption and consumption of healthy diets as a consistent lifestyle habit.
The report, released on Thursday, emphasised 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 die every year due to the consumption of 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 prioritised.
Sharing tips on maintaining a healthy diet regardless of location, affordability, and accessibility, the United Nations agency emphasised 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 you eat to learn about their ingredients and nutritional value.
The report further cited that hygiene, in all forms, is important, particularly when it comes to food, citing that consumers can help prevent getting sick by “keeping your hands, cooking utensils, and cooking surfaces clean; separate raw and cooked; cook thoroughly; keep food at safe temperatures; and use safe water.”
Subsequently it said, “Exercise is important for both our physical and mental health. Obesity and overweight have been significantly increasing in recent years. Nowadays, when technology such as computers, televisions, and tablets keep us seated and occupied indoors, it is important to make an effort to be physically active.”
So, what form of exercise should we take, and how much of it is good for the well-being of someone? It stated that “You should aim for at least 30-60 minutes of daily exercise depending on your age and lifestyle.”