Eating food with the whole family at the same table at least once a week contributes to the development of healthy nutritional habits in the child, British experts are sure. Scientists have found that even a Sunday lunch together significantly improves the children's diet, saturating it with fruits and vegetables.
Specialists from Yorkshire conducted a survey among 2389 children from 52 primary schools in London and found that almost two-thirds of them, namely 63%, do not consume enough vegetables and fruits (400 grams per day), recommended by the World Health Organization. As part of the study, scientists also asked children if they ate with their parents and, if so, how often.
Based on the results of the survey, experts found that those children who always eat at the same table with their parents consume an average of 125 grams per day. more fruits and vegetables than their peers, eating separately. A slightly lower value of the same indicator is 95 g. - was detected in children having lunch in the family circle 2 or 3 times a week.
Janet Cade, a professor at the University of Nutrition and Dietetics at London’s University, said: “Our study found that when the whole family eats together at the same table, the child learns better eating habits about his diet, starting to eat more fruits. But for this to happen, parents must eat "fruits and vegetables along with their children, so that they have someone to take an example from. This approach will be useful for both sides, as adults need healthy food."
