Researchers examine how many fruits and vegetables students eat -
Less than one in four children in Europe have enough fruits and vegetables included in their daily diet, a study by Swedish researchers at the Karolinska Institutet and University örebro watch. The results are part of a study funded by the EU and are presented in public health nutrition today
-. It is time for action, says Agneta Yngve, professor of culinary arts and science of eating örebro University who with Christel Lynch, Bettina Ehrenblad and Eric Poortvliet Karolinska Institutet, and researchers from nine European countries examined how many fruits and vegetables to school children eat.
including many fruits and vegetables in your diet reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even some forms of cancer. The World Health Organization, WHO recommends a daily intake of at least 400 grams of fruit and vegetables
-. Not even half of the children in this study eat fruit every day. The picture is a little clearer bit when it comes to vegetables. 55 percent add vegetables to their diet on a daily basis, says Agneta Yngve.
On average, school children in this European study eat between 220-345 grams of fruit and vegetables a day. Norway and Bulgaria have daily intake the highest average with 345 grams and 320 grams respectively. In Sweden, children consume 291 grams per day. Finland is at the bottom of the table with 220 grams. Sweden stands out as the country where school children eat the most vegetables
-. We believe this is down to the Swedish school lunches. A good selection of salads and vegetables are commonly offered. At the same time, Swedish children are far from getting enough vegetables. An average of 141 grams per day is simply not enough. All children should eat at least 0 grams of vegetables to live up to the WHO recommendations.
In all European countries, including Sweden, children do however eat more fruits than vegetables. Researchers believe this is due to fruit being more readily available, such as a snack, and the children to find the tastiest fruits. Most fruits are eaten by children in Norway, followed by Bulgaria and Greece
-. In addition to differences between countries, we have also found that girls generally eat more fruits and vegetables than boys, Agneta Yngve continues.
This cross-sectional study is the first part of the study intervention Pro Greens. The information material has been prepared for schools in cooperation with the Swedish Ica supermarket chain with the help of which children from all over Europe can learn to become friends with their bodies. How many fruits and vegetables should I eat and how can I best go about it
- The next step for us is to assess whether the intervention has had the desired effect, says Agneta Yngve
EmoticonEmoticon