Healthy eating is related to a lower risk of non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease), stronger immune systems, and longevity, and many more positive health outcomes. The largest study of disease risk factors, the Global Burden of Disease Study, consistently confirmed diet as the strongest risk factor for disease and disability. The comprehensive Eat Lancet Report has calculated what would be the healthiest diet that could safely feed the world’s growing population without further damaging the planet. The consensus from these studies is that we must move from the current modern dietary pattern where most of our calories come from animal and processed foods to consuming a diet where most calories come from whole (i.e. unprocessed) plant foods. A plant predominant diet is one that focuses mainly on whole, unrefined fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds.

The food ‘fuel’ consumed plays a prominent role in generating disease or wellness. The HSE Healthy Eating guidelines encourage the population to limit their intake of high-fat, sugar, and salt foods and drinks. Modern diets, high in processed and refined foods, tend to be high in these more harmful nutrients. This advice can be complicated because most people do not consume nutrients in isolation but more so as foods which usually contain a combination of multiple nutrients, both good and bad. Nowadays we understand that the overall diet pattern is more important than the isolated nutrients or individual foods. It is important to add that there is not one ideal perfect diet but more so a range of optimal dietary patterns. Diversity and the increase of unprocessed plant-based foods are two characteristics that reflect a more beneficial dietary intake.