TODDLERS aren't the only ones who baulk at eating their vegetables.
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A Queensland Health report shows fewer than 12 per cent of people aged 65 to 74, and 9 per cent of people aged 75 and over, regularly consume adequate fruit and vegetables.
The report has led the state's chief health officer Jeannette Young to implore older Queenslanders to eat up, going so far as to leave the "fresh is best" mantra and recommend opting for frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables.
"Frozen or canned fruits and vegetables can be just as healthy as fresh produce, providing essential vitamins, minerals and fibre," Dr Young said.
"Some people find that as they get older their appetite, motivation and ability to buy and prepare healthy food diminishes, which could mean they aren't getting enough of the essential nutrients from their diet."
Nutrition Australia spokesperson Aloysa Hourigan said our bodies become less efficient in absorbing nutrients as we get older.
"Fresh is best but there are practicalities such as budget or dexterity: chopping and slicing may be difficult," she said.
"Frozen vegetables are the better alternative as they have no additives, retain about 95 per cent of the nutritional value of fresh produce, and can be purchased in mixed packets offering variety."
The recommended daily intake is five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit.
COOKING AND SHOPPING TIPS
- Steam or microwave vegetables rather than boil to retain more nutrients.
- Buy frozen fruit or vegetables that are loose in the packet. A hard clump indicates the product has thawed and been refrozen, losing nutritional value.
- Choose canned products with no added salt or sugar.
- Take advantage of specials and stock up on tinned or frozen fruit and vegetables.
