Singapore has national guidelines on healthy foods as well as public health campaigns to promote them. These initiatives are largely coordinated by government agencies and primary care providers.

In this study, we utilized a localised diet score to assess overall dietary compliance with dietary guidelines across two generations (40-64 years: 300; > 65 years: 300). The resulting localised score can be useful for recognizing dietary patterns between two generations and informing public policy development.

Fruits

Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Low in fat and packed with antioxidants that may help prevent cancer, they also contain a good source of iron.

Eating more fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, as well as some types of cancer. Particularly, studies have linked fruit and vegetable consumption to decreased risks for cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, stomach, and lung.

Dietary guidance in Singapore is based on food- and nutrient-based recommendations. However, little is known about the overall dietary quality of late adolescents and young adults in Singapore despite their rising rates of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Vegetables

Vegetables are an important source of essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals. Eating vegetables not only keeps your body healthy but it can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer as well.

Vegetables offer a diverse array of flavors and textures, making them appealing to many palates. Furthermore, they contain phytonutrients – naturally occurring compounds believed to possess antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.

Vegetables are an excellent source of fibre, which supports your digestive system’s performance. Furthermore, they have been known to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as prevent diabetes.

Meat

Singapore was the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize cultured meat, and an increasing number of startups are setting up shop in this new food tech hub. Could this signal the start of a global competition to develop healthier and more sustainable meat industries?

Cultivated meat is a protein-rich alternative to conventional meat that’s produced by cultivating animal cells in bioreactors rather than slaughtering animals for consumption.

Growing in popularity due to its health advantages and ease of preparation. Unlike traditional meat, it contains no fat or cholesterol.

Furthermore, producing lean meats is more cost-effective and helps reduce the environmental footprint of traditional meat production since there’s no need for land. Furthermore, leaner cuts can be made from foods otherwise discarded such as old yeast or coffee grounds.

Dairy

Dairy is an important source of calcium for Singaporeans and associated with healthy bones. Milk also provides plenty of protein as well as other essential nutrients.

Despite these benefits, only 9% of Singaporeans regularly consume milk. This is alarming as milk plays an integral role in maintaining bone health and preventing chronic illnesses like osteoporosis and diabetes.

FrieslandCampina Asia, one of the world’s leading dairy companies, conducted a research study entitled Milk Perceptions with an aim to identify gaps and propose solutions for improving milk consumption among adults in Singapore. As part of their efforts, FrieslandCampina Asia funded this nationwide cross-sectional survey.

Other Foods

Singapore has a long-standing tradition of producing dietary guidelines to promote healthy eating habits and protect against malnutrition, NCDs (noncommunicable diseases), and conditions [1-4].

However, despite Singapore’s emphasis on eating fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains, up to 85 percent of adults in Singapore fail to meet their recommended intake. Furthermore, deep fried foods and sweetened drinks are commonly consumed.

To promote healthier eating habits among Singaporeans, the Health Promotion Board has launched My Healthy Plate. This interactive visual depiction of what a nutritious meal could look like is intended to inspire individuals.