Levels Of Vegetable Consumption Research Articles

Cities’ food synergies: vegetable production and consumption between Morogoro and Dar es salaam, Tanzania

The world’s population is fast increasing, leading to rising urbanization and food insecurity. As a result, food synergies between towns nearby are being pursued particular in the Global South in order to alleviate food problems. A study was conducted specifically on vegetable production and supply dynamics focusing one city (Dar es Salaam) and a nearby town Morogoro (200 km apart). A random sample was used to choose 30 purchasers (Dar es Salaam) and 30 vegetable growers (Morogoro). According to the findings, megacities such as Dar es Salaam rely on both neighboring and distant cities for food supplies, however, Morogoro was found to be the main supplier of vegetables in the city where also, Morogoro was more dependent to the high vegetable consumption level and purchasing power that assure the farmers a stable and reliable market in all seasons. In both cities, lack of adequate storage facilities to farmers and to buyers surfaced as a matter of concern. The report concludes that the two cities are extremely dependent on one another in terms of production and consumption. It is recommended that urban farmers be aided in changing traditional vegetable production and processing practices into modern, sustainable, and environmentally friendly practices that will boost productivity and ensure food security in urban areas.

Raw and Cooked Vegetable Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Study of 400,000 Adults in UK Biobank.

ObjectivesHigher levels of vegetable consumption have been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the independent effect of raw and cooked vegetable consumption remains unclear.MethodsFrom the UK Biobank cohort, 399,586 participants without prior CVD were included in the analysis. Raw and cooked vegetable intakes were measured with a validated dietary questionnaire at baseline. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate the associations between vegetable intake and CVD incidence and mortality, adjusted for socioeconomic status, health status, and lifestyle factors. The potential effect of residual confounding was assessed by calculating the percentage reduction in the likelihood ratio (LR) statistics after adjustment for the confounders.ResultsThe mean age was 56 years and 55% were women. Mean intakes of raw and cooked vegetables were 2.3 and 2.8 tablespoons/day, respectively. During 12 years of follow-up, 18,052 major CVD events and 4,406 CVD deaths occurred. Raw vegetable intake was inversely associated with both CVD incidence (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) [95% CI] for the highest vs. lowest intake: 0.89 [0.83–0.95]) and CVD mortality (0.85 [0.74–0.97]), while cooked vegetable intake was not (1.00 [0.91–1.09] and 0.96 [0.80–1.13], respectively). Adjustment for potential confounders reduced the LR statistics for the associations of raw vegetables with CVD incidence and mortality by 82 and 87%, respectively.ConclusionsHigher intakes of raw, but not cooked, vegetables were associated with lower CVD risk. Residual confounding is likely to account for much, if not all, of the observed associations. This study suggests the need to reappraise the evidence on the burden of CVD disease attributable to low vegetable intake in the high-income populations.

Food consumption and lifestyle habits among university students in Saudi Arabia

Food consumption and lifestyle habits can have a positive or negative direct impact on an individual’s health. University students tend to have poor eating habits that are influenced mainly by sensory perceptions. This survey was done to evaluate the status of food consumption and lifestyle habits among Taif university students (males and females). A total of 600 students aged from 18 to 24 years participated in the survey and responded to questions on socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, eating habits, food consumption frequency, attitude, health and food awareness knowledge. The randomly selected students were from various levels in university representing wide categories and living conditions in Taif Region, Saudi Arabia. The examined students efficiently completed the survey with the help of the university staff. Weight and height were evaluated by a portable standing electronic scale and a portable stadiometer (Seca 879, Germany) to calculate the Body mass index (BMI) classes. Female students recorded 28% of underweight cases, which was higher than the male students (11%) with none significant at p>0.05. The rate of overweight in male students was 30% compared with the female students’ 26%. The study reported 49% and 64% for normal waist circumference for male and female students, respectively. A higher frequency of moderate physical exercise was reported among male students at 60% compared to that among female students (57%). The number of students who did physical exercise regularly was reported to be higher in females (15%) than males (8%). A percentage of 15% and 7% of the male and female students, respectively were smokers. Male students recorded higher sleeping hours than females. Male students reported high media consumptionfrequency of more than 3 hours a day 67%, followed by 21% between 3-6 hoursa day for female students. About 46% and 55% of male and female students,respectively, reported fast-food consumption at least once a week and about 30% of males and 24% females took only 1 to 2 fast food meals in a month.The major meals skipped were breakfast, followed by lunch and dinner;however, this was not significant p>0.05. Meal skipping was high among female students (72%). It was noted that high percentage of male students (72%) reported low consumption levels of vegetables and fruits. The main reason for fast-food consumption was convenience (31%) for males, while females recorded 32% for choices. Female students had a higher score than males in nutrition knowledge. There is a need forawareness creation concerning better food choices, lifestyle habits and weight management that might create a helpful impact on the university student health.

Nutrigarden - A way forward for enhancing farmer’s income and household nutritional security

The study was carried out by the active participation of five farmers with the objective to demonstrate the nutrigarden in terrace for organic vegetable production in an area of 25 square meter using various organic materials with continuous observation and management practices. The results showed that the bhendi equivalent yield of multi vegetables was 276.6 q/ha and 49 per cent more yield over check yield (186 q/ha). The farmer’s average income was increased from Rs.509/-d/ha (land-check) to Rs.758 /d/ ha (terrace-demo). Per capita consumption level of vegetables increased from 100g to 310g per day per family. The nutrition garden ensured access to increase economic value and healthy diet at doorstep.

Berkebun Sayur dengan Teknik Vertikultur sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Ketahanan Pangan Santri Panti Asuhan Jatibening Bekasi

The level of vegetable consumption in Indonesia is shallow compared to the standards that have been set. Various factors contributed to the low rate of vegetable consumption, including economic factors and knowledge. Most of the santri at the orphanage in Jatibening consume fewer vegetables due to lack of knowledge and economic reasons. All students in this orphanage come from underprivileged groups, whereas since 2012, the orphanage has not received subsidies from the government for its operations. This activity aims to provide knowledge and skills for students at the Al Hidayah orphanage and provide vegetable plant verticulture to improve the students' food security. The method approach used is the active community participation (PAM) method in which the community is directly involved in activities. The pretest method stages, providing material, post-test, demonstration of making vegetable plant verticulture and redemonstration by students. The plants cultivated are mustard greens, spinach, and bean sprouts. The activity was held at the Al Hidayah Jati Bening orphanage on Sunday, 1 October 2017. This activity was attended by 20 participants from the Al Hidayah and Roisul Falah Jatibening orphanage Bekasi. Based on the pre-test and post-test results, it was obtained an increase in knowledge of 72.43%. It can be concluded that there is an increase in knowledge about verticulture and skills in making vegetable plant verticulture as demonstrated. This activity resulted in verticulture at the Al Hidayah orphanage that could be used by students at the orphanage to meet the need for vegetables.

DETERMINANTS OF VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN ONITSHA METROPOLIS OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined determinants of vegetable consumption among households in Onitsha metropolis of Anambra State, Nigeria. Data for the study were collected using structured questionnaire administered to 80 respondents drawn from four (4) zones in the municipality of Onitsha. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentages, mean and multiple regression analysis. Result showed that the age of the respondents, marital status, home distance to market and total monthly income had a positive significant (P≤0.05) influence on the level of vegetable consumption. The perishable nature of vegetable, seasonality of the product, high cost of vegetable and taste were factors that militate against vegetable consumption. These constraints notwithstanding, vegetable is consumed both on-season and off-season but with less consumption during off-season due its high price. It was recommended that vegetable farmers should organize themselves in cooperative groups in order to provide machines that can process vegetables into forms that can be stored to reduce post-harvest losses as well as making vegetables almost available in all seasons.

Association between the Phytochemical Index and Lower Prevalence of Obesity/Abdominal Obesity in Korean Adults.

The relatively high levels of vegetable consumption have highlighted the need to examine the association between phytochemical intake and disease prevention. We examined the association between the phytochemical index (PI) and obesity/abdominal obesity among Korean adults. We analyzed the data of 57,940 adults aged ≥ 19 years obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We calculated PI using the 24 h recall data, and multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression models. Dose–response patterns were analyzed using restricted cubic spline regression. After multivariable adjustment, a higher PI was found to be associated with a lower prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity; this association was notable in women (obesity, OR: 0.86, CI: 0.78–0.94, p for trend = 0.01; abdominal obesity, OR: 0.81, CI: 0.73–0.90, p for trend < 0.001). Spline regression showed linearity of the associations between PI and obesity/abdominal obesity in women. Our findings suggested that maintaining a phytochemical-rich diet may help to prevent obesity and abdominal obesity, especially in women, as an increased PI corresponded to lower prevalence of obesity. This study, using evidence-based data, highlighted the importance of consuming plant-derived foods to prevent obesity.

Latin American consumption of major food groups: Results from the ELANS study.

BackgroundThe Latin American (LA) region is still facing an ongoing epidemiological transition and shows a complex public health scenario regarding non-communicable diseases (NCDs). A healthy diet and consumption of specific food groups may decrease the risk of NCDs, however there is a lack of dietary intake data in LA countries.ObjectiveProvide updated data on the dietary intake of key science-based selected food groups related to NCDs risk in LA countries.DesignELANS (Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health) is a multicenter cross-sectional study assessing food consumption from an urban sample between15 to 65 years old from 8 LA countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela). Two 24-HR were obtained from 9,218 individuals. The daily intake of 10 food groups related to NCDs risk (fruits; vegetables; legumes/beans; nuts and seeds; whole grains products; fish and seafood; yogurt; red meat; processed meats; sugar-sweetened beverages (ready-to-drink and homemade)) were assessed and compared to global recommendations.ResultsOnly 7.2% of the overall sample reached WHO’s recommendation for fruits and vegetables consumption (400 grams per day). Regarding the dietary patterns related to a reduced risk of NCDs, among the overall sample legumes and fruits were the food groups with closer intake to the recommendation, although much lower than expected (13.1% and 11.5%, respectively). Less than 3.5% of the sample met the optimal consumption level of vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish and yogurt. Largest country-dependent differences in average daily consumption were found for legumes, nuts, fish, and yogurt. Mean consumption of SSB showed large differences between countries.ConclusionDiet intake quality is deficient for nutrient-dense food groups, suggesting a higher risk for NCDs in the urban LA region in upcoming decades. These data provide relevant and up-to-date information to take urgent public health actions to improve consumption of critically foods in order to prevent NCDs.

Hubungan Faktor Sosial Ekonomi Dengan Konsumsi Sayur-Sayuran Di Kecamatan Amuntai Tengah Kabupaten Hulu Sungai Utara

The high and low level of vegetable consumption is estimated to be influenced by several factors including income, price, education, number of family members, age and area of origin of housewives. This research aims to find out (i) the amount of vegetable consumption by housewives in Amuntai Tengah District, (ii) the amount of expenditure for vegetable consumption by households in Central Amuntai Subdistrict (iii) how much socio-economic factors affect the amount of vegetable consumption -Vegetables by households in Central Amuntai District. The study was conducted in 9 villages in Amuntai Tengah District, Hulu Sungai Utara Regency in April-May 2010. Using multistage random sampling, primary data was obtained from interviews and secondary data was obtained from the relevant agencies. The results showed that the average consumption of vegetables by households in Amuntai Tengah District was 8.57 kg / month with an expenditure of Rp. 57,706, 30 or 5.95 of total family income. From the correlation analysis and t test there is a significant relationship between the level of consumption of vegetables with family income, price and formal education level of housewives. The age factor of a housewife, the number of family members and the area of origin of a housewife do not have a significant relationship to the consumption of vegetables.

KINERJA RANTAI PASOK PRODUK SAYURAN DI KOTA BOGOR

Increasing in population, vegetable consumption levels and healthy lifestyle offer a big opportunities for the vegetables marketing. These opportunities need to be utilized to bring benefit for vegetable farmers. Profits can be achieved through the selection of a supply chain that favors farmers through a development model of vegetable supply chain in Bogor City.The purpose of this research is to analyze the components of supply chain system by vegetable farmers to traditional markets in terms of their supply chain performance. The vegetables analyzed were spinach, potato, tomato, and onion. Data obtained by survey and observation. The main respondents are farmers vegetable producers who sell to traditional markets, either directly or through intermediaries. Three retailers as respondents were chosen purposively in each vegetable at Bogor and Jambu Dua market. Other respondents are marketers and farmers who were chosen by the retailers (snowball sampling method). Data were analyzed to determine the supply chain performance through SCOR method. The results showed that the producers spinach and tomato supplied from the farmers nearby to Bogor City. While other vegetables like onions and potatoes were supplied from farmers in West Java and mid Java. All vegetables studied in their distribution through equalization process. Performance of traditional vegetable supply chain has not yet integrated consumer expectation and producers/ farmers in planning, procurement, production, distribution, return, and action. This unoptimal performance of vegetable supply chain in traditional markets reviewed from supply chain reliability, responsiveness, flexibility, and assets management of supply chain.

Hypnoparenting Method to Increase Vegetables and Fruits Consumption in Kindergarten

Sufficient amount of vegetables and fruits consumption is one of the balanced nutrition indicators. Today the consumption level of vegetables and fruits in children is still believed as extremely low. Combining hypnoparenting method with positive suggestion in children could change maladaptive and adaptive behaviors. This research aims to analyze the effect of Hypnoparenting method to the increase of vegetables and fruits consumption. Samples amounting to 60 people comprising treatment and control groups. This research uses quasi experiment two group pre-post design. The data was analyzed using McNemar non-parametric test. The research result shows the affect of Hypnoparenting method on the increase of vegetables and fruits in children was 26% prior to treatment and changed to 86.7% post treatment with p-value <0.001. This research proves the difference in vegetables and fruits consumption level in children whom experienced and not experienced Hypnoparenting method with p-value <0.001. It is recommended for parents to implement Hypnoparenting method in order to increase the vegetables and fruits consumption in children. Advanced research is required to analyze other variables which have yet to be studied in this research.

Consumer segmentation based on health-related motive orientations and fruit and vegetable consumption

PurposeMore tailored interventions and campaigns are needed to increase fruit and vegetable consumption to recommended levels. The purpose of this paper is to explore which consumer groups exist based on both their fruit and vegetable consumption level and their health-related motive orientations (HRMO), and to compare the revealed consumer clusters regarding their fruit and vegetable product attribute importance.Design/methodology/approachIn the Netherlands an online panel survey was carried out resulting in 1,296 respondents. The clusters based on HRMO and fruit and vegetable intake are profiled with respect to demographics and product attribute importance.FindingsCluster analysis revealed six homogeneous consumer clusters with different HRMO and fruit and vegetable consumption levels. In addition, these clusters show a different socio-demographic profile and differ in their importance ratings of fruit and vegetable product attributes.Practical implicationsThe results show that health is a multidimensional construct suggesting that there is a need for addressing health in interventions and campaigns in a more tailored approach.Originality/valueThis study shows that the combination of both usage- and psychographic segmentation variables provide valuable and interesting information that give insights in addressing different target groups. Moreover, this study elaborates on previous research by showing that health is a multidimensional construct and that Dutch consumers differ in their HRMO.

Kajian Beberapa Jenis Pupuk dan Pestisida Organik Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Sawi di DKI Jakarta

Until the current level of dependence on agricultural products in DKI-Jakarta from other areas increasing, estimated level of vegetable consumption / capita in urban -9.8 1.1% higher if compared to rural areas. Increased production and plant health conducted with crop rotation, intercropping, planting the right varieties, biological pest control. One of the environmentally-friendly technologies that can be used to improve the quantity and quality of the horticultural farming is very suitable for the conditions in Jakarta are the organic farming. The purpose of the study, assessing alternative technology packages organic farming leaf vegetable crops in the dry season, conducted from May to December 2008. This assessment activities carried out in Rawasari, Jakarta-Central, involving 6 farmer cooperators. As the indicator is a mustard plant. The design used was a randomized block design with 6 replications and 4 were tested technology package include: a) BPTP fertilizer (from urban waste)+Pest control with Nemasal (botanical pesticides), b) Fertilizer Dharmajaya (from beef cattle waste)+Pest control with sweeping (sweep with cloth), c) Fertilizer Pegadungan (from enceng gondok+stater)+Pest control with sweeping and d) Farmers fertilizer (chicken manure+Urea)+control OPT with Curacron/decis. The results of study of organic technology package on leaf vegetable crops (mustard) in DKI-Jakarta showed that, using fertilizer Dharmajaya (waste from the abattoir) with sweeping OPT can increase the growth and yield of mustard plants, equivalent if using fertilizer formulations BPTP (waste from urban waste + enrichmen). With the use of packet 1, it gives the highest profit, ie the B / C ratio: 3.8. While the B / C ratio is the lowest obtained in the use of packet 3, the gain B / C ratio is less than 1. It shows that, organic farming technologies provide considerable opportunities high in leaf vegetable farming, especially in the mustard plant in the dry season. Keywords: fertilizers, pesticides, growth and yield

Complementarity in dietary supplements and foods: are supplement users vegetable eaters?

ABSTRACTBackground: The consumption of fruits, vegetables, and dietary supplements correlate. Most previous studies have aimed to identify the determinants of supplement uses or the distinct features of supplement users; this literature lacks a discussion on dietary supplement consumption as a predictor of fruit and vegetable consumption.Objective: This study examines how dietary supplement consumption correlates with fruit and vegetable consumption by combining scanner data and surveys of Korean household grocery shopping.Methods: Propensity score matching (PSM) is used to identify the relationship between dietary supplement consumption and fruit and vegetable consumption in a household. A logit regression using supplement consumption as the dependent variable is used. Then, the supplement takers (the treatment group) are matched with non-takers (the control group) based on the propensity scores estimated in the logit regression. The fruit and vegetable consumption levels of the groups are then compared.Results: We found that dietary supplement use is associated with higher fruit and vegetable consumption. This supports the health consciousness hypothesis based on attention bias, availability heuristics, the focusing effect, and the consumption episode effect. It rejects the health substitute hypothesis based on economic substitutes and mental accounting.Conclusions: Future research on the health benefits of dietary supplements should address the complementary consumption of fruits/vegetables and their health benefits to avoid misstating the health effects of supplements.

Association between Social Network Characteristics and Lifestyle Behaviours in Adults at Risk of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease.

ObjectivesIn this exploratory study we examined the associations between several social network characteristics and lifestyle behaviours in adults at increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, we explored whether similarities in lifestyle between individuals and their network members, or the level of social support perceived by these individuals, could explain these associations.MethodsFrom the control group of the Hoorn Prevention Study, participants with high and low educational attainment were approached for a structured interview between April and August 2010. Inclusion was stopped when fifty adults agreed to participate. Participants and a selection of their network members (e.g. spouses, best friends, neighbours, colleagues) completed a questionnaire on healthy lifestyle that included questions on fruit and vegetable intake, daily physical activity and leisure-time sedentary behaviour. We first examined associations between network characteristics and lifestyle using regression analyses. Second, we assessed associations between network characteristics and social support, social support and lifestyle, and compared the participants’ lifestyles to those of their network members using concordance correlation coefficients.ResultsFifty adults (50/83 x 100 = 62% response) and 170 of their network members (170/192 x 100 = 89% response) participated in the study. Individuals with more close-knit relationships, more friends who live nearby, and a larger and denser network showed higher levels of vegetable consumption and physical activity, and lower levels of sedentary behaviour. Perceived social norms or perceived support for behavioural change were not related to healthy lifestyle. Except for spousal concordance for vegetable intake, the lifestyle of individuals and their network members were not alike.ConclusionsStudy results suggest that adults with a larger and denser social network have a healthier lifestyle. Underlying mechanisms for these associations should be further explored, as the current results suggest a minimal role for social support and modelling by network members.

Consumer evaluation of 'Veggycation®', a website promoting the health benefits of vegetables.

Issue addressed Whether the website Veggycation® appeals to particular groups of consumers significantly more than other groups. Methods Australian adults aged ≥18 years (n = 1000) completed an online survey. The website evaluation instrument used was tested for validity and reliability. Associations between demographic variables and website evaluation dimensions of attractiveness, content, user-friendliness and loyalty intentions were examined using a general linear model (GLM). The appraisal of the website was further investigated based on the respondents' daily consumption level of vegetables and the importance they attach to vegetable consumption in their diet, using GLM and a Tukey's all-pair comparison. Results Veggycation® has a high level of acceptance among the Australian community with certain groups evaluating the website more favourably. These include women, people aged≤29 years, higher income respondents, non-metro respondents and those who viewed vegetables as extremely important in their daily diet. Conclusions Customisation of the website for consumer groups with low vegetable consumption is recommended. Designing tailored communication tools will assist in enhancing the knowledge base of vegetable-related health benefits and may promote vegetable consumption among the Australian population. So what? The promotion of higher vegetable consumption is aided by tailored, well-designed web communication. This study adds to the existing body of knowledge for the education of organisations developing e-tools for promoting health education and literacy.

Vegetable production, consumption and its contribution to diets along the urban-rural continuum in northern Ghana.

Malnutrition continues to be a problem, with sub-Saharan Africa affected the worst. Women and children are at the pinnacle of this problem. The perpetual scourge of malnutrition in urban and periurban settings, coupled with levels of vegetable consumption below the recommended amounts, are a major problem in most African countries including West African cities. A household survey was conducted between November and December 2013 (dry season) in and around Tamale, Ghana as part of an urban food system analysis, to understand vegetable production and consumption and its contribution to household diets and income along the urban – rural continuum. Data collection was guided by a transect approach. A total of 240 households participated in the survey, with 62% males and 38% females. Additionally, 186 women of reproductive age (15 – 49 years) staying in the sampled households contributed to the computing of household dietary diversity through Women’s Dietary Diversity Scores (WDDS). Most vegetables produced were for subsistence use, considering that most households sold less than 50% of the crops and consumed the rest. Vegetable production varied significantly along the urban - rural continuum, with more households in rural areas producing all the requirements of their vegetables compared to urban and periurban areas. Nevertheless, the households in the rural areas (16%) had the lowest dietary diversity (≤ 3 WDDS) compared to urban areas (13%) and periurban areas (5%). The study showed low consumption of vegetables (especially the dark green vegetables) mostly in the rural area and limited diversity of vegetables, especially vitamin A rich vegetables and tubers, with only three vegetables (carrots, red pepper and sweet potato) consumed. There was evidence of more inclination toward staple crops compared to vegetables along the urban – rural continuum for both production and consumption, clearly shown in crops grown and food groups mostly consumed (cereals and tubers rather than dark green vegetables). There was overall low consumption of dark green leafy vegetables, such as amaranth, with only 26% reported to have consumed them during the reported period compared to food groups like cereals (98%). This study confirms the dual purpose of vegetables in complementing dishes (balanced diets) with much needed micronutrients and helping households along the urban – rural continuum to generate income. Keywords: Vegetables, dietary diversity, food groups, urban – rural continuum, Northern Ghana

Vegetable production, consumption and its contribution to diets along the urban – rural continuum in northern Ghana

Malnutrition continues to be a problem, with sub-Saharan Africa affected the worst. Women and children are at the pinnacle of this problem. The perpetual scourge of malnutrition in urban and periurban settings, coupled with levels of vegetable consumption below the recommended amounts, are a major problem in most African countries including West African cities. A household survey was conducted between November and December 2013 (dry season) in and around Tamale, Ghana as part of an urban food system analysis, to understand vegetable production and consumption and its contribution to household diets and income along the urban – rural continuum. Data collection was guided by a transect approach. A total of 240 households participated in the survey, with 62% males and 38% females. Additionally, 186 women of reproductive age (15 – 49 years) staying in the sampled households contributed to the computing of household dietary diversity through Women’s Dietary Diversity Scores (WDDS). Most vegetables produced were for subsistence use, considering that most households sold less than 50% of the crops and consumed the rest. Vegetable production varied significantly along the urban - rural continuum, with more households in rural areas producing all the requirements of their vegetables compared to urban and periurban areas. Nevertheless, the households in the rural areas (16%) had the lowest dietary diversity (≤ 3 WDDS) compared to urban areas (13%) and periurban areas (5%). The study showed low consumption of vegetables (especially the dark green vegetables) mostly in the rural area and limited diversity of vegetables, especially vitamin A rich vegetables and tubers, with only three vegetables (carrots, red pepper and sweet potato) consumed. There was evidence of more inclination toward staple crops compared to vegetables along the urban– rural continuum for both production and consumption, clearly shown in crops grown and food groups mostly consumed (cereals and tubers rather than dark green vegetables). There was overall low consumption of dark green leafy vegetables, such as amaranth, with only 26% reported to have consumed them during the reported period compared to food groups like cereals (98%). This study confirms the dual purpose of vegetables in complementing dishes (balanced diets) with much needed micronutrients and helping households along the urban – rural continuum to generate income.

Parents’ experiences with hiding vegetables as a strategy for improving children's diets

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the practice of hiding vegetables among low socioeconomic parents.Design/methodology/approach– A qualitative longitudinal study involving 37 low socioeconomic Australian parents with at least one overweight or obese child aged five to nine years. Data were obtained with the use of interviews, focus groups, and self-introspections.Findings– Identified issues relating to the practice of hiding vegetables included: how parents manage hiding vegetables, children's presence in the kitchen during vegetable preparation, the employment of deception when hiding vegetables, the use of cookbooks and blogs, and the alternative views of parents not strongly in favour of hiding vegetables.Research limitations/implications– Hiding vegetables is a practice used by some parents to increase their children's vegetable intake. Children who are unaware of hidden vegetables in their meals are potentially missing the opportunity to develop an appreciation for vegetables and learn about vegetable preparation and cooking.Practical implications– The findings are relevant to dietitians, general practitioners, and other health professionals providing advice to parents on appropriate child-feeding strategies.Originality/value– This appears to be the first study to provide an in-depth account of low socioeconomic parents’ use of hiding vegetables to facilitate higher levels of vegetable consumption.

Consumption of leafy vegetables in rural households in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Problem of low consumption of vegetables by all in order to alleviate nutrition-related diseases is still unresolved. This study investigated the pattern of consumption of leafy vegetables among the inhabitants of Ijebu-Igbo enclave in Ogun State, Nigeria. The instrument of data collection was interview schedule used to collect information from 175 respondents sampled through simple random sampling technique from five quarters in the locality. The head of the household was interviewed and question items ranged from socio-economic characteristics of respondents to handling of and type of leafy vegetables consumed, and awareness of the importance of consumption of these vegetables. Consumption of leafy vegetables which was the dependent variable was measured on an eight point scale. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The descriptive statistics involved frequency tallies, percentages and averages while the inferential statistics used was chi-square analysis ( X 2). The results showed that most (74.9%) of the respondents were literate, having secondary education and above, mostly (69.1%) females, married (56%) and predominantly Christians (74. 3%). They were mostly (37%) traders and (22%) farmers. The level of vegetable consumption was low, an average of 1.57 times weekly in the study area with ‘Ugwu’ being most preferred over other vegetables which were celosia, waterleaf, amaranthus and okra leaf. Only 35.4% of the respondents consumed vegetables adequately but not properly handled or prepared. This is only 31.4% of the recommended intake of 5 times daily. Only 9.1% of them adopted the most appropriate method of preparation and handling of vegetables for maximum absorption of nutrients but the closest method to the recommended method was adopted by most (42%). The results of the hypotheses testing at 95% confidence level showed a significant relationship between marital status (x2=0.26), religion (x2=0.94), awareness level (x2=0.96) and consumption level. The study, therefore, recommended a more strategic awareness-raising campaign and nutrition education to agricultural extension and rural development agencies in order to influence people’s behaviour in making vegetables consumption a lifestyle in the study area. Key words : consumption, leafy vegetable, rural household