We Are Eating More Vegetables
Monday 06 September 2010
Bord Bia consumer research highlights an increase in consumption of fruit & vegetables in the Irish diet
45% are consuming a minimum of 5 a day, compared with 25% in 2006
29th August 2010: Irish consumers are eating more fruit and vegetables and are becoming more mindful of their diet, according to new research commissioned by Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board. The research found that 70% of consumers correctly identified five portions of fruit and vegetables a day as the recommended number, representing a 20% increase on 2007 figures.
The research findings were released today as Bord Bia is using the back to school period to remind parents of the strong nutritional benefits of fruit and vegetables as part of children’s daily diet and how the school lunch box can contribute to achieving the 5-a-day requirement. It is well recognized that children who enjoy a proper healthy balanced diet concentrate and perform better at school.
Consumers claim to be eating more fresh produce with 45% eating a minimum of 5 a day compared to 25% in 2006. All adults in the research increased their average number of servings of fruit and vegetables from 3.2 portions per day in 2006 to 3.9 portions per day in 2010, highlighting a greater awareness of their importance as part of a healthy balanced diet.
Mike Neary, Manager of Horticulture, Bord Bia commented “Fresh fruit and vegetables are a vital part of a healthy diet. As we enter autumn and another school year, we want to remind parents and consumers that we are into the main Irish harvest season and local fresh fruit and vegetables are in plentiful supply. Our research shows that as a nation we are becoming more mindful of our diet and the food we eat on a daily basis.
“As with all fruit and vegetables, they are best consumed when they are in season, and Bord Bia’s Best in Season promotional website www.bestinseason.ie <http://www.bestinseason.ie/> <http://www.bestinseason.ie/> tells you when is the best time of year to be able to purchase fresh and tasty local produce.”
Paula Mee, Nutritionist added, “As parents across the country are preparing for Back to School and thinking about tasty and nutritious fillings for lunch boxes, I urge them to include a mixture of fruit and vegetables as part of their five a day. Research has proven that fruit and vegetables contain high levels of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, fibre and antioxidants, all essentials in the efficient functioning of the body. Consumption of fruit and veg improves the overall quality of diet, and helps reduce the risk of obesity.
“We all are aware of the need to vary the contents of lunch boxes to avoid children getting bored and tired of the same snacks. Below are some top tips for all parents on how to help school children to consume five a day.”
When the bell rings……
For further information, go on to www.bestinseason.ie <http://www.bestinseason.ie/> <http://www.bestinseason.ie/>
- Buy small, sweet apple varieties, but don’t serve apples every single day! Alternate with other fruit to keep it interesting
- Invest in some smaller, sealable tubs or pots – perfect for mixed fruit and berries. Always check to see which are the best fruits in-season
- Introduce greenery early – perfect for pitta pockets and sandwiches alike. The sandwich is a brilliant way to get green leafy veg on to the menu
- Try some grated carrot, sliced cucumber, finely chopped peppers or whatever the children like. Maybe it’s whole cherry tomatoes
- As an alternative make a softer filling from roasted veg
- Add pesto for extra flavour to sandwiches, baps and rolls.
- Add carrot sticks with dips. Also celery, peppers of all colours, sugar snap or mangetout, cherry tomatoes work well too.
- A warm vegetable soup drink is great in colder months, and you can use just about any combination of vegetables. Heat to just below boiling, pour it into a small, warmed flask and it’ll be just the right temperature at lunchtime
About “Best in Season”
The website www.bestinseason.ie <http://www.bestinseason.ie/> <http://www.bestinseason.ie/> is part of Bord Bia’s promotional campaign to help consumers to identify what fruit and vegetables are available in Ireland and what is currently ‘Best In Season’. The website explains the benefits of eating fresh produce grown within the natural Irish season and contains a range of exciting recipes incorporating each season’s fresh fruit and vegetables. All fruit and vegetables taste their best and are at their nutritious best when harvested fresh from the field close to where they were grown.