Healthy Food

Is it healthy? Common food questions answered

Short, evidence-based answers to the food questions people in the UK search most — eggs every day, salmon, bananas, porridge, vegan diets, coffee and more.

Last reviewed: October 2026 · How we check our content

Quick answers

Yes, for most

Is it healthy to eat eggs every day?

The NHS sets no limit on eggs. They provide protein, vitamin D and B12. Cook without lots of butter or salt.

Yes

Is salmon healthy to eat?

Oily fish like salmon is rich in omega-3 and vitamin D. The NHS advises 2 portions of fish a week, one oily (no more than 2 oily portions if pregnant).

Can be

Is eating vegan healthy?

A well-planned vegan diet can be healthy. Take vitamin B12, consider vitamin D and iodine, and include beans, tofu and fortified foods.

Yes

Are bananas healthy?

A banana counts as 1 of your 5 A Day and provides potassium and fibre.

Yes

Is porridge healthy?

Oats are wholegrain and contain beta-glucan fibre that helps lower cholesterol. Avoid sugary instant sachets.

In moderation, no

Is coffee bad for you?

Up to 400 mg caffeine a day (about 4 mugs of instant) is fine for most adults; 200 mg in pregnancy.

In small amounts

Is peanut butter healthy?

Good protein and fats; choose no added sugar or salt and stick to 1–2 tablespoons.

Yes

Are potatoes healthy?

A good source of fibre and vitamin C with the skin on. Boiled or baked is better than chips.

Not really

Is honey healthier than sugar?

Honey counts as free sugar, the same as table sugar.

Yes

Is rice healthy?

Brown rice adds more fibre. Cool and refrigerate leftover rice quickly and reheat only once.

Limit it

Is fruit juice healthy?

Counts as 1 of your 5 A Day but only up to 150 ml a day because of its sugar.

Treat

Is dark chocolate healthy?

Contains some fibre and minerals but is high in fat and sugar — a couple of squares.

World health facts

All facts
Myth

"Brown sugar and honey are healthy"

Fact: they are still free sugars and count toward the WHO daily limit.

Source: WHO 2015

Myth

"Carbs make you fat"

Fact: excess calories cause weight gain. Whole-grain carbs and legumes protect health.

Source: WHO / Harvard T.H. Chan

Myth

"All fat is bad"

Fact: unsaturated fats from olive oil, nuts and fish are good for the heart.

Source: WHO 2023

Myth

"Skipping breakfast burns fat"

Fact: total daily intake and food quality matter most; a fibre- and protein-rich breakfast helps many people control appetite.

Source: BMJ 2019

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Questions people ask

Is it healthy to eat eggs every day?

For most healthy people, yes. There is no recommended limit on eggs in the UK, as long as you eat a varied diet.

Is salmon healthy to eat?

Yes. Salmon is an oily fish rich in omega-3 fats, protein and vitamin D.

Is eating vegan healthy for you?

A planned vegan diet can be healthy. Make sure you get vitamin B12, iodine, calcium, iron and omega-3, using fortified foods or supplements.

Sources

  • • NHS: Eggs, Fish and shellfish, Vegetarian and vegan diets
  • • British Heart Foundation
  • • BDA Food fact sheets
  • • EFSA caffeine safety opinion (2015)

General information based on UK public health sources, not medical advice. Speak to your GP, pharmacist or a registered dietitian before major diet changes or starting supplements, especially if you are pregnant, have a health condition or take medication.