17 June 2004
Pulp Fiction – The Facts Harvested
New research has revealed some disturbing facts about kiwis’ consumption of fruit and vegetables – or rather, lack of
consumption.
The research report, “Pulp Fiction – the Facts Harvested” will be released at a launch at Parliament today (June 17).
Cancer Society spokesperson Carolyn Watts says, “Although over two-thirds of New Zealand adults know that eating fruit
and vegetables is important for their health and they enjoy eating fruit and vegetables, around half – 48 percent – do
not translate this into appropriate behaviour; that is, eating at least five servings of fruit and vegetables daily.”
Not surprising really, she says, when you consider the level of confusion the survey has uncovered.
“What we found was that most of those not eating enough fruit and vegetables wrongly believe that they are eating enough
to keep them healthy.
The Cancer Society is concerned that people don’t recognise or understand the link between consuming fruit and
vegetables and preventing some cancers.
“Eating fruit and vegetables may not sound that important, but the truth is far from it,” Ms Watts says. “We want New
Zealanders to understand that it could save a life and it could be theirs. If we could increase the population
consumption of fruit and vegetables by 40g (about half a serving) each day we would save in excess of 330 lives a year.”
“The good news is the research findings have given us important detailed data on relevant motivations, barriers to
intake, and perceived benefits which will help us to develop a sound foundation for a campaign to promote fruit and
vegetable intake.”
The Cancer Society has presented the Government with a business case outlining why it cannot afford not to invest in
increasing the fruit and vegetable intake of New Zealanders. “If funded, this strategy will go a long way to meeting the
Government’s priorities of improving nutrition, reducing obesity and reducing the incidence and impact of cancer,” Ms
Watts says.
ENDS