Only 1 in 5 britons eats 5 a day

An online poll conducted for World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) suggests that only one in five adults in Britain is eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. The YouGov poll conducted earlier this month finds that on average ony 22% of the British adult population is consuming the 5 portions a day recommended by the government. The figure appears to be at odds with consumer awareness of the 5 a Day message. In 2000, a survey by the UK's Food Standards Agency showed consumer awareness of the 5 a Day message was 43%. Another in 2008 showed this had risen to 78%. Kate Mendoza is head of education at WCRF. She told the press: "Although people are more aware of the significance of eating 5 A DAY than they used to be, it is clear that there are still barriers to incorporating plant foods into our daily diets." "A diet based on plant foods, such as wholegrains and pulses as well as fruit and vegetables, can reduce cancer risk as research shows they protect against a range of cancers. Recent research has confirmed that foods containing fibre reduce the risk of bowel cancer," she added. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adults should consume a minimum of 400g of fruit and vegetables a day. The UK's "5 a Day" message is designed to encourage consumers to think in terms of consuming the 400g a day in 5 portions of 80g each. For example, the following counts as a full complement of 5 a Day: half a fresh grapefruit, two dried figs, eight cauliflower florets, three heaped tablespoons of baked beans, and an apple. The poll finds that on average only 17% of people in lower income households (socioeconomic groups C2, D and E) are eating at least 5 a Day, compared to 27% in higher income groups A, B and C1. Regionally, people living in the North of England are the least likely to be eating 5 a Day, while those in the South of England are the most likely (18% compared with 26%). Elsewhere the figures are 21% for London, 22% for Scotland, 23% each for Midlands and Wales, and 24% in Eastern England. Mendoza said: "These figures show that many people are still finding it difficult to follow the healthy eating message. Getting at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day is the building block of a healthy diet. Not only are fruit and veg a good source of nutrients, they also tend to be low in calories and full of fibre so help us maintain a healthy weight." WCRF commissioned the poll of over 2,000 people, to coincide with Cancer Prevention Week which starts on Monday, and ends with "Fruity Friday" on 18 May. WCRF is also running Beat the Banana!, a 5k fun run in Hyde Park, on the day before, Thursday 17 May.