Fruit and vegetables sold in the UK are ‘half as nutritious’ as 80 years ago, study shows

Major studies have shown that fruits and vegetables sold in the United Kingdom contain half the amount of important nutrients from 1940.

Experts warn that lower levels of iron, magnesium, sodium and copper increase the risk of malnutrition for British people.

Increased reliance on imported produce may be due to industrial agriculture and the shift to high-yielding varieties.

Major studies show that fruits and vegetables sold in the UK contain half the amount of important nutrients from 1940 (file photo).

Researchers at Coventry University examined the nutrients in 28 fruits and vegetables (including potatoes and bananas) sold in the UK in 1940, 1991, and 2019.

Analysis revealed that average levels of sodium decreased by 52%, iron decreased by 51%, and copper decreased by 49% during the period.

Magnesium levels were reduced by 10 percent, potassium was reduced by 5 percent, and calcium was reduced by 2.5 percent.

As written in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, researchers state that “many people” do not eat a wide variety of diets, especially teens who have poor diets. increase.

Researchers at Coventry University examined the nutrients of 28 fruits and vegetables (including potatoes and bananas) sold in the UK in 1940, 1991, and 2019 (file photo).

Most varieties of fruits and vegetables eaten today are grown to improve productivity and profitability, “this focus on yield largely ignores the impact on nutritional value.” The researchers say.

They call on the Minister to regularly monitor changes in the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables and between varieties and production methods.

Helena Gibson Moore of the British Nutrition Foundation said the results of the “warning” were that a healthy and balanced diet “has little effect on the nutrition of the overall diet.”