The Department of Health in Central Visayas urged the youth to become advocates for eating vegetables and fruits and become role models in their respective families by making it a habit in their daily meals.
DOH-7 assistant regional director Lakshmi Legaspi made the call amid a report that there is decreasing consumption of vegetables in Central Visayas.
“Eating vegetables is very important in maintaining good health. And a healthy body means a good immune system not easily susceptible to diseases,” said Legaspi.
The official added that based on statistics, a decline in vegetable consumption have been noticed, attributing it to the youth’s reliance on street food.
“This is why we are really calling on to our youths to be vegetable advocates starting in their own family,” she said, noting that next month’s Nutrition Month celebrating is themed “Pagkain ng Gulay Ugaliin, Araw-araw Itong Ihain. (Make eating vegetable a habit. Serve it every day.)”
An increase in consumption of vegetables can also help vegetable growers in the region sustain their livelihood, because greater demand means the need for higher supply, Legaspi declared.
“In increasing our vegetable consumption, we help our vegetable growers increase their income,” the director said.
Although Legaspi admitted that most might not be keen on eating more vegetables compared to meat but “the essential vitamins and minerals that we get from vegetables to achieve a healthy body and prevent diseases can never be compared.”
She also urged every sector and organization to implement their own advocacy program to increase the consumption of vegetables and to make people aware of its benefits and its contribution in uplifting economy through a healthy and productive citizenry.
“We all must get involve and do our share in promoting vegetable consumption and encouraging our youths to regularly eat vegetables,” Legaspi concluded. (PR)