Britain has the highest fruit and vegetable consumption in the world, with a third of adults eating five or more portions a day.
About 33 percent meet the nutritional goal, which has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers.
This figure places the UK, along with the Republic of Ireland, at the top of the world ranking for fruit and vegetable consumption, followed by South Korea and Israel with 32 percent each.
The average of the 30 countries analyzed for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Health at a Glance report was just 15 percent, with Romania the lowest at 2 percent.
Despite Britain’s relative success, experts warn the figure is still too low and encourage people to use the New Year as an opportunity to increase their intake and improve their health by also becoming more active.
Britain has the highest fruit and vegetable consumption in the world, with a third of adults eating five or more portions a day. About 33% meet the nutritional goal, which has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers (stock photo)
The NHS recommends that adults and children eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day, with each portion equaling 80 grams.
This equates to approximately one apple, one banana, seven strawberries, two broccoli stalks, two heaping tablespoons of cooked spinach, 5cm cucumber or seven cherry tomatoes.
One small glass – 150 ml – 100% fruit juice, vegetable juice or smoothie counts as one serving. But a second glass doesn’t count.
Potatoes do not count towards the five-a-day goal. This also applies to yams, cassava and plantains.
They are nutritionally classified as starch foods because when consumed as part of a meal, they are typically used in place of other starchy sources such as bread, rice or pasta.
Health Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: “I am pleased that more and more of us in the UK are getting our five a day.”
“Whether you prefer sprouts or tangerines, eating more fruits and vegetables is essential to a healthy, balanced diet.”
“We continue to empower people to make healthier food choices by giving them access to the right advice and information, including introducing calorie labeling on food sold in restaurants, cafes and takeaways.”
“The start of the new year is a good time to increase physical activity, especially after a bit of Christmas pampering. That’s why we’re helping people stay fit with a range of fantastic free apps like Couch to 5K and Active 10.”
Fruits and vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, vitamin C and potassium.
Health Secretary Andrea Leadsom, pictured at the King’s coronation ceremony in May, said: “I am pleased that more of us across the UK are getting our five a day.”
They are also an excellent source of fiber, which can help maintain a healthy gut and prevent constipation and other digestive problems.
The OECD report says: “Regular consumption of fruit and vegetables is associated with better health outcomes – particularly reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.”
“The World Health Organization recommends consuming at least 400 grams or five or more portions of fruit and vegetables per day.
“A healthy diet can also reduce the risk of being overweight or obese.”
“In 2019, diets low in fruit, vegetables and legumes are estimated to be responsible for a total of 2.7 million deaths worldwide.”
Rebecca Tobi, senior engagement manager at the Food Foundation, said: “While it is encouraging to see the UK performing well in fruit and vegetable consumption compared to other OECD countries, there is still a long way to go before Brexit.” eat. as much fruit and vegetables as is necessary for our health.
“One in three adults currently meets the five-a-day recommendation, but the percentage of people who eat little or no vegetables has increased over the past decade among both adults and young children.”
“Nearly a third (29 percent) of elementary school-age children eat less than one serving of vegetables per day.”
This figure places the UK joint top in the world for fruit and vegetable consumption, tied with Ireland, followed by South Korea and Israel, both at 32% (stock photo)
“We also know that poorer households eat much less fruit and vegetables than richer households – the poorest 20 percent of households eat one portion of vegetables less per day on average.”
“This is really worrying, as the cost of living crisis is only making this situation worse.”
“The amount of vegetables bought by UK households fell by 14 per cent in 2022 – the lowest in fifty years – as tight food budgets forced households to prioritize cheaper, less healthy calories over fruit and vegetables.”
“Some companies such as Sainsbury’s and Greggs have made a ‘vegetarian pledge’ under the Peas Please scheme to help Britain eat more and are making good progress, but both businesses and the government need to do more to ensure everyone has access to and can afford enough fruit and vegetables.’
- Apple sales are under pressure as the country restricts sales of fresh food due to pressure on the cost of living. The number of apples sold on high streets has fallen by 7.5 per cent this year. The data comes from The Grocer magazine, which says an average rise of 4.4 percent in the price of apples is putting off shoppers.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
