Recommendations for the consumption of fruits in recreational and work environments

Introduction

Poor diet and lack of physical activity have contributed to an increase in the prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCDs), such as diabetes, different types of cancer, in low- to middle-income countries, such as those in Central America and the Caribbean. and heart disease.

An accelerated change in eating habits can be observed where families have stopped consuming homemade meals and natural foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to replace them with high-calorie foods, such as sweets, junk food and other ultra-processed foods .

In developing countries, the increase in overweight and obesity, risk factors associated with NCDs, can be noted, which has made them occupy the first positions among the causes of death and disease, which causes a high cost. in the treatment of a chronic disease.

That is why several global, regional and national organizations have proposed policies, strategies, plans and other initiatives aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle, which includes adequate nutrition and increased physical activity.

These actions involve, among others:

• Promote a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables: people should consume 400 grams per day (five servings) to prevent diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity, and therefore 1.7 million lives could be saved (WHO , 2015). Apparent consumption in Central American countries is well below this recommendation.

• In order to help promote healthy eating, the Central American Agricultural Council (CAC) plans to promote the marketing, availability and consumption of fruits in the domestic markets of Central American countries and the Dominican Republic.

• It seeks to implement institutional initiatives in work environments and other institutional spaces, such as universities and recreational places that seek to incorporate the promotion of healthy habits in their service or food space.

PROPOSED GLOBAL STRATEGIES TO MOTIVATE HEALTHY LIVING:

1. Global strategy for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (WHO, 2000).
   Relevant points:

• It is based on what has been learned so far on activities for the prevention and control of chronic non-communicable diseases

• It points out that diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes, are associated with preventable and common risk factors, related with lifestyle, such as unhealthy eating and lack of physical activity.

• Stresses that the prevention of these diseases must focus on the fight against these risk factors, making interventions at family and community level.

• The most relevant that arise in this strategy and that have to do with adequate nutrition and, therefore, with the consumption of fruits are (WHO, 2000: 3-4)Objective two: “Reduce the level of exposure of individuals and populations to common risk factors for noncommunicable diseases, such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity, and their determinants”. Key Component Two: “Health promotion throughout life and prevention are the most important components to reduce the burden of premature mortality and disability due to the presence of the identified risk factors. “ …the implementation of the strategy will require: action at all levels, from global and regional organizations and bodies to Member States and diverse communities”.

2. WHO global strategy on diet, physical activity and health
   Relevant points:

• It addresses two risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCDs): diet and physical activity.

• Low consumption of fruit and vegetables stands out as one of the risk factors that most contributes to the increase in NCDs.

3. A guiding framework for the promotion of fruits and vegetables at the national level. (FAO and WHO, 2005)
   Relevant points:

• Initiate/encourage joint work between the ministries of health and agriculture to jointly promote fruits and vegetables.

• Support countries to launch pilot projects to determine feasible and effective ways to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, especially in developing countries.