Vegetable Intake Plummets to 50-Year Low Among Britons
London, UK – Britons are eating fewer vegetables than at any time in the past half-century, sparking health concerns among nutritionists and public health officials. New data reveals a significant decline in vegetable consumption across all age groups, raising fears of increased risk of chronic diseases.
The alarming trend, highlighted by analysis of national dietary surveys, shows a marked decrease in daily vegetable intake compared to levels recorded in the 1970s. While health guidelines recommend at least five portions of fruits and vegetables a day – the so-called “five-a-day” - the average Briton is now falling substantially short of this target. This decline coincides with rising costs of fresh produce and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, creating a perfect storm for poorer dietary habits. The consequences could include a surge in cases of heart disease,type 2 diabetes,and certain cancers.
The decline isn’t limited to one demographic. Data indicates that even those who previously met the “five-a-day” recommendation are now consuming less, with younger generations showing especially low intake. Experts attribute this to a combination of factors, including busy lifestyles, affordability issues, and a lack of cooking skills.
Jamie Oliver recently shared a recipe for aubergine involtini, highlighting a dish containing three of the recommended “seven-a-day” (Serves: 2, Total time: 50 minutes – Prep: 20 minutes / Cook: 30 minutes). The recipe calls for 2 aubergines (250g each), 1 bunch of basil (30g), 1 x 400g tin of borlotti beans, 100g ricotta cheese, 20g Parmesan cheese, 1 lemon, olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 heaped teaspoons baby capers in brine, 1 pinch of ground cinnamon, and 2 x 400g tins of plum tomatoes.
Public health campaigns and initiatives aimed at promoting vegetable consumption are being revisited in light of these findings. Nutritionists are urging the government to consider measures such as subsidies for fresh produce and educational programs to encourage healthier eating habits. The long-term health implications of this trend remain to be seen, but experts warn that urgent action is needed to reverse the decline and safeguard the nation’s health.
