WHO says…
Eat less animals and more plant-based wholefoods
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has updated its guidelines on fats and carbohydrates with the aim of reducing the risk of unhealthy weight gain and diet-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Adults, they say, should limit fat intake to 30 per cent or less of their total energy intake. Saturated and trans-fats should be reduced or replaced with healthier nutrients. Saturated fats, they warn, are found in fatty meat and dairy foods, and trans-fatty acids in baked and fried foods, pre-packaged snacks and meat and dairy foods.
For everyone over two years of age, they say, most carbs should come mainly from wholegrain foods, fruit, vegetables and pulses. They recommend adults eat at least 400 grams (around five portions) of fruit and veg and 25 grams of fibre every day. This is what Viva! have been saying for years!
WHO updates guidelines on fats and carbohydrates. 17 July 2023. Available from : who.int/news/item/17-07-2023-who-updates-guidelines-on-fats-and-carbohydrates
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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