The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has nearly 6,500 members, who are qualified dietitians like me. Our role is to represent and support these members, as well as to inform them about new developments in health and nutrition.

Registered dietitians are uniquely qualified to translate scientific information about food into practical dietary advice for the public. As well as providing impartial advice about nutrition and health, dietitians also give advice about dietary management of many conditions such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease, and offer professional guidance on all diet-related issues. Many of our dietitians work in the NHS, as well as in private practice, industry, education, research, sport, etc, and are seen as a key route to educating the public about the need to eat healthily both in the prevention and management of disease.

As part of this education, the BDA has long been a supporter of the department of health’s 5 A DAY Just Eat More (fruit & veg) programme. Research has shown that eating more fruit and vegetables can help reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, obesity, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. In fact, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has estimated that what we eat is likely to contribute to the development of one third of all cancers, and most diets that are protective against cancer are mainly made up of foods from plant origin.

There is evidence from the World Health Organisation to show that for every portion of fruit and vegetables eaten there is greater protection against stroke (by up to 40 per cent) and some cancers (by up to 20 per cent). Other health benefits found have included a delay in the development of cataracts, reducing the symptoms of asthma, improving bowel function and better management of diabetes, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, Fruit and Vegetables.

This explains why we are such strong supporters of the 5 A DAY programme. Although most of the public now knows that they should eat at least five portions of fruit and veg each day, many still need to put this into practice.

We run awareness campaigns throughout the year, develop fact sheets to inform dietitians and the public about healthy eating, and also work with the department of health to provide comment and support to press activity on 5 A DAY. In addition, we use the 5 A DAY logo on our display materials at public and professional events, such as the Clothes Show Live.

With healthy eating firmly on the national agenda, and the drive to cut obesity and its related health problems at the forefront of people’s minds, dietitians are working as hard as ever to inform the public about the need to eat a healthy and balanced diet which includes 5 A DAY. For more information, visit www.bda.uk.com

Azmina Govindji

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