Diet & Lifestyle
Fruit & Vegetables

Fruit & vegetable survey

Nearly half the UK population could be at a higher risk of heart disease and cancer because they eat less than half the recommended daily portions of fruit and vegetables, according to a survey.

The UK poll - which asked 997 adults about their eating habits - found that 49% only had one or two portions, even though research has shown that five can cut the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Overall, only 13% of men and 21% of women managed to meet this target, while 48% said they found it hard to meet the recommendations.

The survey also revealed regional variations, with southerners more likely to meet the target than those in the North.

Although 59% of people in the south west of England ate fewer than two portions a day, 23% of southerners overall managed to eat five, compared to only eight per cent of those living in Yorkshire and Humberside.

BBC 3^rd Nov 1999