Healthy eating  is essential for good health and nutrition. It protects you against many chronic  diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

 Eating a variety of foods and consuming less salt, sugars and saturated and industrially-produced -fats, are essential for healthy diet.

A healthy diet

 provides the body with essential nutrition:

fluid,  protein,  as vitamins, and adequate fibre and food energy.

t's recommended that you eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and veg every day. They can be fresh, frozen, canned, dried or juiced.

Fish is a good source of protein and contains many vitamins and minerals.

Aim to eat at least 2 portions of fish a week, including at least 1 portion of oily fish.

Oily fish are high in omega-3 fats, which may help prevent heart disease.

You need some fat in your diet, but it's important to pay attention to the amount and type of fat you're eating.

There are 2 main types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. Too much saturated fat can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood, which increases your risk of developing heart disease.

Regularly consuming foods and drinks high in sugar increases your risk of obesity and tooth decay.

Sugary foods and drinks are often high in energy (measured in kilojoules or calories), and if consumed too often can contribute to weight gain. They can also cause tooth decay, especially if eaten between meals.