A recent study published in BMJ Global Health found that children in nearly every region of the world are not eating enough fruits, non-starchy vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and starchy vegetables. The study analyzed dietary surveys from 185 countries to better understand what children are eating and how those patterns have changed over time.

Expert Advice

CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen shared her insights on the importance of children eating fruits and vegetables. According to Dr. Wen, children younger than age 2 in the US ate nearly three servings of fruits and vegetables a day, but older children and teenagers were among the lowest among high-income countries.

Dr. Wen emphasized that parents have substantial control over what infants and toddlers eat, but as children grow older, many other influences come into play. She suggested that schools, communities, and food environments should make healthy choices easier throughout childhood and adolescence.

Dr. Wen also addressed concerns about a multistate cyclospora outbreak, advising families not to stop eating fruits and vegetables. Instead, she recommended following safe food handling practices, such as washing hands and rinsing fresh produce under running water.

Nutrition Tips

Dr. Wen provided tips for parents to encourage their children to eat more fruits and vegetables. She suggested offering a variety of healthy foods, eating together as a family, and involving children in grocery shopping or meal preparation. Dr. Wen also emphasized the importance of repeated exposure to new foods without pressure.

In terms of different forms of fruits and vegetables, Dr. Wen noted that all forms, including fresh, frozen, and canned, can contribute to a healthy diet. However, she advised checking the label for added salt or sugar in canned produce.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.