There’s another reason to encourage kids and young adults to eat more vegetables.
A new Harvard University study has shown that eating fibre-rich vegetables -- such as broccoli, artichokes and peas -- while you’re young is associated with significantly decreased risk of developing breast cancer.
A result of an ongoing survey of 44,263 women since 1991, the study found there was up to 19 percent lower relative risk between study groups of low and high fibre intake.
“Scientific research all around the world is constantly discovering more benefits that come from a vegetable-rich diet, including protective effects against cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes,” said Dr Jessica Lye, AUSVEG National Manager of Scientific Affairs.
This study in particular observed a correlation between lower breast cancer risk and early adulthood intake of fruit and vegetable fibre.
“At 10.7g per day of vegetable fibre intake during early adulthood, there was an 11 percent reduction in breast cancer risk compared to those with an intake of 3.3g per day,” Dr Lye said.
Regardless of how much children and teenagers hate them, this research shows how important it is for young adults to eat a diet rich in vegetables during this formative period of their lives to reduce the potential of health problems down the track.
High fibre vegetables and fruits include brussel sprouts, raspberries, blackberries, avocado, pears, legumes and split peas.
Is sneaking in veggies an impossible task? Try out these tips to help encourage your kids to eat more fruit and vegetables.