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Nation’s eating habits “huge cause for concern”

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Nation’s eating habits “huge cause for concern”

Two-thirds of adults eat three or fewer portions of fruit and/or vegetables a day and almost half don’t eat any fruit on at least three days a week, a new survey by Diabetes UK has revealed.

The survey, published to tie in with Diabetes Week (11-17 June) and the charity’s ‘Food You Love’ healthy eating campaign, also found that three-quarters of people don’t know what constitutes a recommended portion of vegetables, and two-thirds can’t identify a portion of fruit. A portion is equivalent to three heaped tablespoons of vegetables or a handful of fruit. 

“These survey results are a huge cause for concern when you recognise the fact that in the UK, 3.6 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes and 11.9 million people are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” says Emma Elvin, clinical advisor for Diabetes UK. “Simple lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, eating more fruit and vegetables and getting more exercise are an important part of managing all types of diabetes and can reduce the risk of serious of long-term complications such as blindness, amputations and even early death.”

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