Why healthy food matters worldwide

Food is the foundation of health

What we eat every day shapes our energy, immunity, mood and long-term risk of disease. The World Health Organization says a healthy diet helps protect against all forms of malnutrition as well as heart disease, diabetes, stroke and some cancers.

A large global study published in The Lancet in 2019 found that poor diet was linked to more deaths worldwide than any other risk, including tobacco. The main problems were too much salt, too few whole grains and too little fruit, nuts, seeds and vegetables.

The double burden of malnutrition

Many countries now face two problems at once: undernutrition (children who are too thin or too short) and overweight and obesity linked to processed, energy-dense food. Both can exist in the same community, and even the same family.

Fixing this is not only about eating less or more — it is about eating better: more fresh, whole foods and fewer ultra-processed products high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.

Healthy food and the planet

Food systems use a large share of the world's land and fresh water. Diets rich in vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts, with moderate amounts of animal foods, are generally better for both people and the environment.

Reducing food waste — planning meals, storing food well and using leftovers — also saves money and resources.

What you can do today

Small changes add up: fill half your plate with vegetables and fruit, choose whole grains, drink water instead of sugary drinks, cook at home more often, and read labels for salt and sugar.