The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched this Tuesday a guide with recommendations for a “healthy diet“, which include consuming between 10-15% of proteins and 15-30% fat, with respect to the total calories consumed in the day.
In children and adolescents, fat consumption over total caloric intake can increase even a little more, up to 35%, but no more than 10% should be saturated fatwhile trans fats, especially those produced industrially, must be reduced to a minimum or even eliminated, they indicated WHO and FAO.
The contribution of the carbohydrates can range between 45 and 75%, indicates the guide of the two UN agencies, which also advises that sugars do not exceed 10% of total caloric intake, and reduce salt intake to two grams per day.
Negative effects of excesses
WHO and FAO They emphasize that both an excess and a deficiency of the contributions of proteinsfats and carbohydrates can have negative consequences on health.
In the case of excessive consumption proteins there may be metabolic problems, with fat It obviously can lead to weight gain, and excessive carbohydrates can lead to changes in blood glucose, the statement warns.
WHO and FAO agree that the healthy diet must meet four conditions: be “adequate”, “balanced“, “moderate” and “diverse”.
By “diverse” they mean that it must include the greatest number of types of food and food groups possible (meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, etc.).
Although it does not go into the advantages or disadvantages of vegetarianism, it does advise that at least children from six months and older complement breastfeeding. maternal with the consumption of food of animal origin such as meat, fish or eggs.
WHO and FAO They especially warn against the consumption of food ultra-processed foods, as they increase the risk of health problems ranging from cancer to cardiovascular diseasesincluding overweight or type two diabetes, which can affect mental, respiratory or gastrointestinal capacity.
The guidethey pointed out WHO and FAOhas been written based on scientific studies, in order to promote healthy diets which “can help prevent nutrient deficiencies and excesses, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and promote well-being.”
