European fresh produce association Freshfel has called for greater awareness to be raised regarding the health benefits of fresh fruit and vegetables, with cooler autumn weather set to bring a heightened level of influenza (particularly H1N1/swine flu) risk.
In a statement, Freshfel highlighted the fact that a diet rich in fresh produce can boost the immune system, helping prevent illness and infection through the consumption of essential vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C.
'Fruit and vegetables are the best natural sources of vitamin C. The wide assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables available should therefore be taken into consideration to contribute to a healthy diet rich in Vitamin C,' said Ramon Rey, president of Freshfel. 'Fresh produce should be an additional useful tool in the set of preventative measures taken by member states in the EU to combat H1N1 swine flu.'
Vitamin C has a number of functions, Freshfel said, and has been shown to reduce the severity of flu symptoms by boosting the production of white blood cells, antibodies and interferon.
'A wide range of fruit and vegetables have a high vitamin C content, particularly exotics such as guavas and papayas, berries, kiwifruits, cantaloupes, all citrus varieties as well as several vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli and sweet peppers,' Mr Rey added. 'Health authorities should convey this basic message to the population alongside other preventative measures against flu.'
Philippe Binard, general delegate at Freshfel, said that taste as well as health was important for consumers.
'It makes sense for consumers to get their vitamin C intake directly from fresh fruit and vegetables rather than from pills,' said Philippe Binard, general delegate at Freshfel. 'They will indeed take benefit from the natural source of vitamin added to the pleasure of tasting and enjoying the quality and diversity of fresh produce.'
Freshfel said that is would be encouraging consumers to eat fruit and vegetables at different times of the day, as a snack or as part of meals.
'Prevention is the best medicine,' Mr Rey concluded. 'As we move into autumn and winter, we should be reminded of the many health-related aspects of the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables so that everyone can benefit from eating immunity-boosting fresh produce.'
