The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) have just published a joint statement titled “What are healthy diets?”.

Healthy diets contribute to health, growth, and development, support active lifestyles, prevent both nutrient deficiencies and excesses, protect against communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), reduce foodborne illnesses, and promote overall well-being. The specific composition of a healthy diet varies according to individual traits, personal preferences, cultural context, locally accessible foods, and traditional dietary practices. However, the foundational principles of healthy diets are consistent. In this document, the FAO and the WHO outline these principles, supported by guidelines and standards established by both organizations. These principles serve as a foundation for developing policies to improve diets and for evaluating diet healthfulness.

Access the full report here.