Four health tips have been shared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Western Pacific Region to protect against noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. As per the WHO tips, cutting back on salt and sugar are simple ways to reduce your risk of noncommunicable diseases. According to WHO, NCDs, which include heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease, account for nearly 70% of all deaths worldwide.

The WHO recommends a daily salt intake of no more than 5 grams, or 1 teaspoon. Instead, WHO has asked to experiment with dried herbs and spices and to avoid salty sauces and condiments like soy and fish sauce. While discussing sugar consumption, WHO has asked to consume no more than 50gramss (or 12 teaspoons) of sugar per day. They have also asked people not to add salt and sugar to complementary foods given to children under 2.

Secondly, WHO also stated that another way to reduce the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases was by watching the intake of saturated fats and trans-fats, for example, selecting low-fat or reduced-fat milk and milk products, choosing white meats like poultry and fish, etc. It further asked to limit the consumption of processed meats like bacon and sausages. Apart from this, the WHO has also advised avoiding processed, baked, and fried foods that contain industrially produced trans-fat.

In its third health tip, WHO has asked people to have a balanced diet by adding a variety of foods to the meal plan, such as wholegrains like brown rice and wheat, legumes like lentils and beans, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, etc. Fourthly, WHO stated that one way to reduce your risk of developing noncommunicable diseases was to be mindful of what you drink.

It listed some easy-to-follow nutrition tips on how to improve health simply through the choice of beverages. It stated that reducing the consumption of sugary beverages like soft drinks, juices, flavoured water, and ready-to-drink coffee, along with excessive and harmful use of alcohol, can reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. 

(Source: https://www.livemint.com/science/health/who-shares-simple-tips-to-reduce-risk-of-diabetes-heart-disease-11661150931384.html )