Promotion Of Food

Facts:
About 1.7 million ( 2.8 %) of deaths worldwide are attributable to low consumption of fruit and vegetables.
Fruits and vegetables is low among the 10 selected risk factors for global mortality.
Worldwide, it is estimated that inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables to cause about 14 % of deaths from gastrointestinal cancer, about 11% of deaths from ischemic heart disease and about 9 % of deaths from stroke.

Background

Approximately 16.0 million (1.0%) adjusted (DALY life years , a measure of potential life lost due to premature mortality and the years of productive life lost due to disability ) and 1.7 million (2.8 %) of deaths worldwide are attributable to low consumption of fruit and vegetables. Usage of fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease , stomach cancer and colorectal cancer. There is convincing evidence that consumption of high levels of high-energy foods , such as processed foods that are high in fats and sugars, develops obesity.

Fruits and vegetables is low among the top 10 risk factors contributing to mortality due , according to evidence presented in the World Health Report 2003 . Fruits and vegetables can help prevent major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) . In addition , eating a variety of fruits and vegetables clearly provides an adequate intake of most micro nutrients , dietary fiber and a host of non- essential nutrients.

A consultation report of WHO / FAO Expert recent diet, nutrition and prevention of chronic diseases , sets population nutrient goals and recommends intake of a minimum of 400g of fruit and vegetables per day for the prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease , cancer , diabetes and obesity. The report indicates that there is convincing evidence that fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of obesity, and evidence that they probably reduce the risk of diabetes evidence. In addition, there is convincing evidence that fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. ( The report states that the tubers , such as potatoes , cassava, should not be included in fruits and vegetables. )

The Mandate of the WHO

The WHO's mandate is to improve public health worldwide with a particular focus on reducing health inequalities. In May 2002, WHO has been requested by the Member States to develop a global strategy on diet , physical activity and health in the context of the growing burden of chronic diseases. In a series of regional consultations to develop the strategy , Member States stressed the importance of WHO work proactively with them to help increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables.With this obligation and the scientific basis cited above , actively promote increased consumption of fruits and vegetables in the world , particularly in developing countries WHO aims . Incorporating fruit and vegetables as part of a national non- communicable diseases (NCDs ) prevention and school health programs is a central goal.