The Herald reports that figures collated from the National Diet and Nutrition survey reveal that more than 9 in 10 children aged 11-18 years old are not eating the recommended five portions of fruit or vegetables every day. In this age group, only 8% of boys reached this target, compared with 9% of girls.
The World Cancer Research Fund warns that the figures are “seriously worrying”, as a diet low in fruit and vegetables could increase a person’s risk of lung, mouth, pharynx and larynx cancer later in life.
The charity has set up a new website to provide meal tips to support people in getting more fruit and vegetables into their diet.
Sarah Toule, Head of Health Information at the World Cancer Research Fund said:
“These figures are seriously worrying, so we decided to do our bit to encourage people of all ages to fill up on healthy, homemade dishes featuring lots of fruit and veg.
We know from our global research that eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight are two major steps you can take to reduce your risk of cancer.
The younger these healthy habits are developed, the easier they are to maintain into adulthood.”
The full story can be read on The Herald website.