LOCAL FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: NUTRIENT CONTENT AND BARRIERS TO CONSUMPTION BRIAN PAYNE B. S C. M. S C. M. P H I L. N ATIONAL N U T R I T I O N C E N T R E M I N I S T R Y O F H E AL T H
OBJECTIVE Give an overview of: The nutrition situation in Barbados. Prevalence of obesity and NCDs. What are superfoods A short survey Nutrient Profile of F&V Mediterranean Diet
OVERVIEW Barbados like other small are likely to be at high risk for elevated prevalence obesity. Economic and lifestyle changes over the last 30 to 40 years have resulted in a nutrition transition. These changes have created an environment which has potentially puts children at risk for: Overweight and obesity Non-communicable Diseases (NCD)
DIETARY PATTERNS IN A BARBADIAN CONTEXT Food preferences are greatly influenced by: Cultural practices Taste preferences Availability of food within a given environment Early exposure to good nutrition and other health lifestyle practices establish healthy behaviors over the life course. Monteiro et al, 2013
DIETARY PATTERNS IN A BARBADIAN CONTEXT In Barbados there has been: Shift away from consumption of traditional and locally sourced foods Fruits and vegetables Fish Ground provisions Pan American Health Organization, 2014
DIETARY PATTERNS IN A BARBADIAN CONTEXT In Barbados there has been: Increase consumptions of foods prepared outside the home: High calorie/nutrient Poor High Sodium High Fat (saturated fats) Low fiber Pan American Health Organization, 2014
DIETARY PATTERNS IN A BARBADIAN CONTEXT Studies analyzing dietary patterns in Barbados reported children s diets contain: Excessive amount of sweetened beverages (Sharma, Cao et al. 2008, Carter, Levesque et al. 2009; Lai, Guy et al. 2009). Low fiber, fruit and vegetable intake (Carter, Levesque et al. 2009; Lai, Guy et al. 2009). Relatively high in fat and sugar as well as low in fiber, calcium, and fruit (Sharma, Cao et al. 2008). Sharma, Cao et al. 2008, Carter, Levesque et al. 2009; Lai, Guy et al. 2009
SUMMARY OF RESULTS BRFS (2007) HTNS (2012) Overweight All 65.2% Males- 54.6% and Females- 74.3% Obesity All- 28.5% Males- 20.3% Females- 35.5% Overweight All 64.3% - Males- 56.6% Females- 68.8% Obesity All 32.9% Males- 22.1% Females- 39.3% USA (2011-2012) Overweight-69.0% Obesity-35.1%
SUMMARY OF RESULTS BRFS (2007) Hypertension All 41.5% Males- 41.2% Females- 41.8% HTNS (2012) Hypertension All 38.8% - Males- 40.1% Females- 38.1% Diabetes Mellitus All- 14.9% Males- 12.7% and Females- 16.7% Diabetes Mellitus All- 16.9% Males- 16.7% Females- 17.0% BRFS: Barbados Health of the Nation Survey; HTNS: Health of The Nation Survey
DIETARY FACTORS CATALYZE THE ONSET OF DISEASE. In most high-income societies a westernized diet is increasingly being adopted: High in: Total fat (Saturated Animal Fats, Trans-fats) Cholesterol Sugar and other refined carbohydrates Low in: Polyunsaturated fatty acids Fiber and other complex carbohydrates
WHAT ARE SUPER-FOODS/FRUITS Food packed with: Antioxidants Vitamins Minerals Fibre Primarily associated with exotic or imported F&V.
NUTRIENT PROFILE Nutrient Blueberry (100g) W.I. Cherry (100g) Vitamin A 2% 15% Vitamin C 24% 2740% Vitamin E 4% - Vitamin K 36% - Magnesium 2% 4% Potassium 3% 4%
NUTRIENT PROFILE Nutrient Strawberr y (100g) Mango (100g) Vitamin A 0% 25% Vitamin C 149% 76% Vitamin E 2% 9% Vitamin K 4% 9% Magnesiu m 5% 4%
NUTRIENT PROFILE Nutrient Apple (100g) Golden Apple (100g) Vitamin A 1% 25.5% Vitamin C 5.7% 46% Vitamin E 1% 7.5% Vitamin K 3% 3.5% Magnesium 2% 1%
Nutrient Grape (100g) Sugar Apple (100g) Vitamin A 2% 1% Vitamin C 6% 32% Vitamin E 1% 7.5% Vitamin K 17% 3.5% Iron 1% 9% Vitamin B6 5% 17%
NUTRIENT PROFILE Nutrient Pear (100g) Papaya (100g) Vitamin A 0% 22% Vitamin C 7% 103% Vitamin E 1% 4% Vitamin K 6% 3% Folates 2% 10% Calcium 1% 2%
NUTRIENT PROFILE Nutrient Spinach (100g) Lettuce (100g) Vitamin A 188% 100% Vitamin C 47% 30% Vitamin E 10% 1% Vitamin K 604% 217% Folates 49% 10% Calcium 10% 4%
A SHORT SURVEY Premise of the survey: Questions asked: Specific barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption. Perception of health benefits/nutrient content of local fruits and vegetables. How do the nutrients in local fruits and vegetables compare to exotic or imported fruits and vegetables. Cost of local vs imported F&V.
SURVEY FINDINGS Identified Barriers to Consumption: Cost was a factor in the purchasing of F&V. F&V were not an essential part of meals. Imported F&V were more nutritious than local ones. Not enough information was available on the specific health benefits of local F&V.
COMPONENTS OF A BRAIN- HEALTHY DIET The ideal brain-healthy diet breaks down like this: Complex carbohydrates and Whole grains (40%). Fresh vegetables and fruits (5 servings daily). Lean proteins from fish, chicken, turkey, legumes and soy (40%). Good" fats and oils, including extra virgin olive oil, avocado, coconut, and flax seed oil (20% ).
THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy eating plan combining elements of Mediterranean-style cooking. Research has shown that the traditional Mediterranean diet not only reduces the risk of Chronic Non-communicable disease, like heart disease and cancer. In fact, it is associated with a reduced incidence of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
KEY COMPONENTS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET The Mediterranean diet emphasizes: Plant-based on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts Healthy fats (like olive oil and canola oil). Herbs and spices instead of salt. Limiting red meat (a few times a month) Eating fish and poultry at least twice a week
CONCLUSIONS Consumption of traditional Western style diets associates with increased risk of cognitive decline. Presence of diet-associated chronic disorders likely contributes to this risk. Role of diet is embedded in other socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics.