Diet

Diet has a significant impact on health and is particularly associated with heart disease. Food with high fat, sugar and salt contents can raise blood pressure and cholesterol, whereas a more balanced diet with fruit and vegetables, protein, unsaturated fat, carbohydrates and lower levels of salt, sugar and saturated fat is likely to improve health. Figure 9.20 highlights only a quarter of the population in the UK consume five or more portions of fruit and vegetables per day.

Figure 9.20, Number of portions of fruit and vegetables consumed per day by adults in the UK, 2003 to 2011

Figure 9.20 Portions of fruit and veg consumed per day by adults 2003-2011
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Source: Health Survey for England, 2011