Understanding nutrients

Our advice covers everything from getting the right amount of healthy food and cutting down on fat, salt and sugar to vitamins and minerals

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In this section:

Understanding what makes up a healthy, balanced diet can feel confusing. Our official nutrition guidelines and advice can help you understand how to follow a healthy, balanced diet.

Salt

Too much salt can lead to health problems, so reducing salt intake supports better long-term health.

Read more about salt intake
Salt spilled from an overturned salt shaker on a table.

Fats

A small amount of fat is an important part of a healthy, balanced diet, but we should try to limit our intake of foods high in saturated fat

Tips for reducing your overall fat intake
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Sugar

There are different types of sugars, some of which should be eaten in smaller amounts.

Learn more about different type of sugars
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Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that our body needs to work properly

Learn how important vitamins and minerals are
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Additives and E numbers

Food additives and E numbers are added to food to enhance flavour, appearance, or shelf life, and understanding them can help in making informed and healthier choices.

Learn more about additives and E numbers
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Processed and ultra-processed foods

What are processed and ultra-processed foods, and should we really be worried?

Learn more about processed and ultra-processed foods
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Healthy eating tutorial

Our Healthy Eating Tutorial is a helpful tool for those who are looking to learn more about the nutrition in their food.

Use the healthy eating tutorial
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