What’s the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and a child’s well-being? This is the focus of the latest Feel Good Study from Zespri, which looked at produce consumption among 70 children, aged 8-10 years old.
Almost 1 in 2 children globally are not consuming enough fruits and vegetables, says Zespri, pointing to a study in the Public Library of Science Global Public Health Journal.
Conducted by researchers at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, the study primarily aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a 10-week fruit and vegetable dietary intervention in primary school and the measurement of mental and cognitive health outcomes, according to a news release. It also investigated the effects of increased consumption of fruits and vegetables on children's well-being.
"As stewards of the next generation's well-being, we understand the profound impact that early nutrition has on a child's lifelong health. It is only through cultivating positive eating habits in a sustainable manner that we can truly make a difference and thrive as a healthier society with a brighter future," said Ng Kok Hwee, general manager of global marketing for Zespri.
The feasibility study explored strategies to increase exposure to unfamiliar fruits and vegetables to promote acceptance in children. Increased acceptance from childhood paves the way for healthy dietary habits that extend to adulthood, in turn leading to improved overall well-being, the release said.
"We've always been invested in learning more about the nutritional benefits of kiwifruit to human health, but with this study, we sought to dig deeper into the nutritional outcomes of fruits and vegetables as part of a whole diet approach,” said Paul Blatchford, Zespri innovation manager for core products. “We investigated areas that have not been studied as much — in particular, well-being and cognitive development — to show how choosing fruits and vegetables is not just a nutritional or dietary decision, it is an investment into the well-being of the child.
"This study represents Zespri's first step in understanding the tangible benefits to well-being," Blatchford continued. “Given the varying nutritional challenges in each market, we plan to go beyond taking this first step and extend this research to future studies in our key markets."
The Feel Good Study demonstrated the potential of increasing fruit and vegetable acceptance and overall diet quality, as well as vegetable intake among participants through raising awareness of the diverse produce options available locally, the release said.
The intervention also prompted positive changes in parental behavior, with increased awareness of healthy eating leading to a conscious selection of more low-fat, low-sugar options for their children. And the study demonstrated a positive improvement to emotional well-being scores in the intervention group compared to the control group, the release said.
"The Feel Good Study intervention had a robust design, incorporating both home- and school-based strategies to promote healthier habits among children,” said Clare Wall, head of discipline for nutrition, faculty of medical and health sciences at the University of Auckland.
“With a focus on experiential learning, the school sessions engaged students in interactive sensory experiences, complemented by the delivery of fruit boxes to encourage additional fruit consumption during the school day," Wall added. "Meanwhile, the home-based component provided families with weekly vegetable boxes, complete with recipes and tips, aiming to foster sustained engagement and long-term benefits."
In schools, the study found that educational strategies focused on incorporating elements of fun and enjoyment helped in building positive associations and promoting fruit and vegetable consumption in children.
At home, the study found that empowering parents with knowledge and practical tips on diverse fruit and vegetable preparation methods fosters a wider range of options for their children, reducing food neophobia.
Parents are key influencers in shaping children's food preferences and by incorporating fruits and vegetables into their diets, they model a healthy example for their children, the release said.
Full details of the study methodology, results, and recommendations for future iterations can be found in the research study online.
