ISHS Acta Horticulturae 744: I International Symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruits and Vegetables
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FOR HEALTHY DIET IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES |
| Author: | J. Ganry |
| Keywords: | diabetes, diet, F&V, fruits, vegetables, consumption, WHO/FAO |
| Abstract:
"Fruits and vegetables (F&V) are important components of a healthy diet, and their sufficient daily consumption could help prevent major diseases." A recently published WHO/FAO report addresses the need for increased fruit and vegetable consumption, particularly in developing countries where there is a dislocation between potential supply and the reality of daily diets. In these countries, where demographic growth in urban areas is tremendously high, with a strong effect on diet, chronic diseases including diabetes, obesity, heart diseases and cancer, are emerging in addition to nutrient deficiency linked problems. There is an urgent need for understanding the relations between diet and health in order to promote F&V supply and good food practices in developing countries. Indigenous knowledge and practises are rich inputs to consider. Special attention should be paid to local industries targeted at producing healthy and safely stored or processed food available for consumers, particularly in urban areas. Emerging initiatives, including one supported by CIRAD, are focusing on an integrated approach involving horticultural research teams on one side, and health and nutrition research teams on the other, as a key component of the Global Horticulture Initiative supported by AVRDC. Three main goals are addressed in a “from fork to farm” approach: • horticultural productions for healthier diet with induced effects such as reduction of post-harvest losses, promotion of added-value crops which could be based on the development of underutilized F&V; • preservation of the nutritional value throughout the food chain, including the enhancement of local practices and innovative processes, paying regard to safety and environmental issues; • bioavailability and health effects of a diet correctly enriched with F&V. | |
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