News Feature: Veggies lower risk of heart diseases, gastrointestinal cancer

By Marlon A. Loterte

Wednesday 11th of July 2012

LEGAZPI CITY, July 11 (PIA) -- Adequate consumption of fruit and vegetables reduces the risk for cardiovascular diseases, stomach cancer and colorectal cancer.

This claim supported with convincing evidence according to the World Health Organization, is among the objectives for this year’s celebration of the Nutrition month.

The celebration was launched in this city at the Bigaa Elementary School by the National Nutrition Council in the Bicol region.

With the theme “Pagkain ng gulay ugaliin, araw-araw itong ihain,” this year’s celebration focuses on the importance of vegetable as part of everyday eating consumption.

The event started with vegetable planting, which according to Nutrition Program Coordinator for NNC V Arlene R. Reario, is done simultaneously in the region and can increase supply and availability of vegetable especially for families.

Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal together with representatives from various government aganecies, barangay officials, school personnel, parents and students joined the said activity.

Rosal added, “We are bombarded with commercials causing changes in our pattern of eating. With this activity we do not not only promote vegetable eating but also also create awareness for children to plant and eat it especially these days wherein they prefer to eat fastfood and instant food.”

The preference for this type of food is one of the reasons for low vegetable consumption according to the study conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

Other reasons are fear of chemical and pesticides, influence of family members, preference for meat than vegetables, and lack of knowledge on its health benefits and nutrition value.

As compared with high-energy foods such as processed food that are high in fats and sugars, fruit and vegetables can also reduce the risk of obesity.

“Fruit and vegetable consumption is one of the most effective means to lose weight and promote balanced health,” Reario said. (Sally Atento/MAL/PIA5/Albay)