Fresh produce consumption could increase as consumers stay at home in response to the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, giving them more time to eat fruits and vegetables.
According to 5+ A Day Charitable Trust, a New Zealand-based trust aimed at increasing vegetable consumption, recent research has identified time as one of the major barriers to the consumption of fresh produce at breakfast.
A new survey of 1,000 New Zealanders people about the breakfast suggested that those aged over 60 who regularly eat breakfast on weekdays are much more likely to eat fresh fruit and vegetables at that time compared to their younger counterparts
Carmel Ireland, project manager of 5+ A Day Charitable Trust, said given more and more of the world is entering social isolation she expects people will have more time to eat and will want to eat healthy products.
“This (survey) suggests to us that time is a big factor in New Zealanders consuming fruit and vegetables, as many younger people rush out the door to work or school.' said Ireland.
“People are very focused on buying essentials and dried goods right now as the threat of Covid-19 draws closer and that is understandable. But fresh produce is one of the most valuable items you can place in your shopping basket and will go a long way towards ensuring you remain as healthy as possible,” she added.
'For your body to function at its best, it is important to eat enough fresh fruit and vegetables to give your body a lot of the nutrients, minerals and vitamins it needs. We need to focus on eating well, to help maintain a healthy immune system.”
