Just one in five Britons eats the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, a poll for World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) suggests." B' E* i8 q( }* B
The Department of Health first launched its five-a-day campaign in 2003.2 z+ ?6 n2 N0 H! x8 ?( k* V, y- q
But the WCRF says its survey of more than 2,000 UK adults shows people still find achieving that goal difficult.( ^( {4 P6 f4 T+ y/ E
It is urging people to eat "just one more portion" for a healthier diet, which would increase cancer protection.4 z2 I: N7 c- ~# F9 r: a
The YouGov survey for the WCRF found that, on average, 17% of lower income households (social groups C2, D and E) eat at least five portions per day, compared with 27% for those in higher income groups.! [+ ~4 e `4 \+ L+ C
Fruit and veg consumption levels were lowest in the north of England, where 18% had five or more portions daily. 6 R9 p$ W3 C4 n& l* j* o
The highest levels of consumption were reported in the south of England, where 26% said they ate at least five portions. % O g+ M; ^6 C5 k' X! a
In London, it was 21%, in Scotland 22% and in Wales 23%.9 ~$ D: v/ V, H" a1 |+ v. w. i1 I
Kate Mendoza, head of education for the WCRF, said: "These figures show that many people are still finding it difficult to follow the healthy eating message. e1 u0 p t- B# [ c
"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 and so help us maintain a healthy weight.$ X- O' D: K+ b6 |6 [2 c2 n9 K
"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.; o/ }* `3 \4 ~ ^
"Although people are more aware of the significance of eating five a day than they used to be, it is clear that there are still barriers to incorporating plant foods into our daily diets," she added.6 j1 ]' W. l2 o* K
The charity is holding an awareness day, "Fruity Friday", on 18 May as part of Cancer Prevention Week.
* V+ y9 b* u6 r# Q8 OA Department of Health spokesperson said: "We know we need to do more to encourage people to eat their five a day and help prevent diseases like cancer. # Q/ ~, d+ b+ g& u! y" _9 d
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"That is why, through our Change4Life campaign, we invested around |