Queensland adults are failing to fill their plates with enough veggies, with 93 per cent of adults not eating the recommended five servings a day.
Research shows adults aged 18 and over living in Brisbane South and the Gold Coast ate the least amount of vegetables, with around six per cent consuming adequate servings.
While adults in Wide Bay Burnett were more likely to fill their plates with vegetables, only nine per cent of those living in the region met the recommended daily intake.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Ms Chris McMillan said adults were putting their short and long term health at serious risk by leaving vegetables off the menu.
“The eating habits of everyday Queenslanders are of great concern,” Ms McMillan said.
“Adults should eat five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit a day to ensure overall wellbeing and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including some cancers.
“While 57 per cent of Queensland adults eat the recommended two serves of fruit a day, it’s alarming that a meagre seven per cent of adults eat enough vegetables – more than 3.5million people.
“It’s vital we’re increasing our vegetable intake to improve our health, and also model healthy habits to the younger generation.
“A serve of vegetables is one cup of raw salad vegetables or half a cup of cooked pumpkin – and a serve of fruit is one medium apple or banana, or a cup of canned fruit, with no added sugar.”
More than 27,000 Queenslanders are diagnosed with cancer each year – up to one third of those cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes, including maintaining a healthy diet.
“In Queensland 64 per cent of adults are overweight or obese – more needs to be done to ensure we are all eating a healthy, balanced diet,” Ms McMillan said.
“An unhealthy diet and being overweight or obese is linked to an increased risk of cancers such as bowel, liver, oesophageal, and breast cancer in females.
“Next time you’re plating up for breakfast, lunch or dinner, think about the variety of foods you’re including in your meal.
“Opt for foods that are low in sugar, saturated fat and salt and be sure to include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, low fat dairy options, and lean proteins.”
For more information about Cancer Council Queensland, and healthy eating, visit cancerqld.org.au or phone 13 11 20.
Regional breakdown of the number of Queensland adults who eat the recommend five serves of vegetables a day (highest to lowest):
Wide Bay Burnett: 9.1 per cent of adults consume enough vegetables
Sunshine Coast: 8.6 per cent of adults consume enough vegetables
Darling Downs: 8.1 per cent of adults consume enough vegetables
Mackay: 7.8 per cent of adults consume enough vegetables
Cairns and Hinterland: 7.2 per cent of adults consume enough vegetables
Brisbane North: 7.1 per cent of adults consume enough vegetables
Central Queensland: 7.0 per cent of adults consume enough vegetables
Townsville: 6.8 per cent of adults consume enough vegetables
Gold Coast: 6.5 per cent of adults consume enough vegetables
Brisbane South: 6.0 per cent of adults consume enough vegetables
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