No Fruit Please, We’re Irish

One of the country’s leading nutritionists has warned that Irish people are still not eating as much fruit as they should be.

Speaking at a scientific conference at the Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre in Dublin, consultant Paula Mee said that many consumers still opt for a biscuit rather than an apple, orange or pear.

The conference included scientists, fruit producers, commercial suppliers and health and safety professionals who discussed the major issues surrounding fruit production and consumption.

The conference heard that convincing evidence supports the claim that eating at least five portions of antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables every day can help prevent heart disease and some cancers.

Cost and convenience are a major factor in the choice of some Irish diets, while for other people it is simply a matter of taste. There are also some consumers whose concerns about pesticide residues overshadow their understanding of the health benefits of fruit.

The Government has encouraged increased intakes of fruits and vegetables through Bord Bia's 'food-dudes' programme which aims to change children's eating habits in an effort to bring about long-term increases in consumption of fruits and vegetables



(NS)