While 38% of the 2000 people in the study described themselves as ‘fairly health conscious’, it found that less than half (46%) did not understand that eating balanced meals would improve their overall health.
As well as improving overall health, a balanced diet can increase alertness, improve sleep and reduce the risk of heart disease.
The study, conducted by Simply Supplements, also found that 20% did not realise that decreasing alcohol intake would improve health and 5% mistakenly thought that Arsenic, which can lead to issues with the stomach and liver, was something they should take daily.
A further 4% thought that the radioactive isotope Polonium would improve health if consumed, when it would actually cause metal poisoning and liver damage, eventually prooving fatal.