A recent study found that children around the world are not eating enough fruits and vegetables, which is essential for their growth and development. The study, published in BMJ Global Health, analyzed dietary surveys from 185 countries and found that children in nearly every region are not consuming enough healthy plant-based foods.

Expert Advice

Dr. Leana Wen, a CNN wellness expert and emergency physician, says that parents should continue to encourage their children to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, despite concerns about foodborne illness. Wen notes that the health benefits of consuming a diet rich in produce are well established and that safe food handling practices can minimize the risk of illness.

Wen suggests that parents involve their children in grocery shopping and meal preparation to increase their willingness to try new foods. She also recommends offering a variety of fruits and vegetables regularly, including those that a child may have rejected before.

Food Safety Tips

To minimize the risk of foodborne illness, Wen advises parents to always wash their hands with soap and water before handling food, rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating or preparing them, and avoid cross-contamination by keeping fresh produce separate from other foods.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.