Majority don't follow five a day rule

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A new survey shows that three quarters of the British population do not follow the recommendation to eat five portions of fruit and veg a day.
Research has shown that a high intake of fruit and vegetables can reduce the risk of many diseases, including cancer. However, a new survey carried out by the leading charity Cancer Research UK shows that many do not follow the advice to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day for good health.

They looked at a group of 4,000 men and women and found that the likelihood of eating 'five a day' goes up with age. Less than 20 per cent of those aged 15 to 24 are eating their fruit and veg compared to more than a third of those aged over 55.

The charity has developed some recipe ideas for making 'five a day' easier, including healthy pizza, stir-fry and vegetable curry. There is also guidance on how to snack on healthy foods and how to get 'five a day' on a budget of five pounds a day. To find out more, go to www.reducetherisk.org.uk

Source
Cancer Research UK 5th May 2005

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