Your Health

Diet

Eating a balanced diet is one of the best ways to maintain your health. Eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day can:

• reduce the risk of serious lifestyle health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers
• reduce the risk of bowel cancer due to the high fibre content
• contribute to a healthy and balanced diet, help you maintain a healthy weight and keep your heart healthy

In addition to plenty of fruit and veg, we should also be eating:

• plenty of starchy foods, such as bread, rice, potatoes and pasta
• some meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein
• some milk and dairy foods
• just a small amount of food and drinks that are high in fat and/or sugar
• drinking 8-10 200ml glasses of water a day (or more when exercising or in the heat)

For more information:

British Heart Foundation

British Dietetic Association