With spring approaching many people aim to improve their diet, which is why we are sharing some key facts about a healthy diet.

•  Unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity are leading global risks to health.

•  Energy intake (calories) should be in balance with energy expenditure. To avoid unhealthy weight gain, total fat should not exceed 30% of total energy intake.

•  Intake of saturated fats should be less than 10% of total energy intake, and intake of trans-fats less than 1% of total energy intake, with a shift in fat consumption away from saturated fats and trans-fats to unsaturated fats, and towards the goal of eliminating industrially produced trans-fats.

• Limiting intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake is part of a healthy diet. A further reduction to less than 5% of total energy intake is suggested for additional health benefits.

• Keeping salt intake to less than 5 grams per day (equivalent to sodium intake of less than 2 grams per day) helps to prevent hypertension and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke in the adult population.