A team of researchers from Cornell University in the US has discovered that linking healthy eating habits with superheroes can be an effective way of encouraging children to eat more fruit and vegetables, according to a report in the New York Times.
Some 22 children aged six to 22 were shown photos of superheroes such as Spider-man and Batman and asked, 'Would this person order apple fries `apple slices available from many fast-food outlets` or French fries?'
The percentage of children opting for the healthier option rose from just 9 per cent to 45 per cent as a result of the visual cues.
The study was published in the journal Pediatric Obesity and comes on the back of the release of the new Batmana and Spider-man films.
'Fast food patronage is a frequent reality for many children and their parents,' said lead researcher Brian Wansink. 'Simply instructing a parent to order healthier food for a child is neither empowering for a child nor easy for a parent. Advising a parent to ask their child 'What would Batman eat?' might be a realistic step to take in what could be a healthier fast-food world.'
Another study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggested that parents lead by example in order to encourage healthier food choices from their children.
It also recommended stocking up on healthy snacks, maintaining regular meal times and taking their children to the grocery store.
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