Fruit and vegetables : consumption patterns and health consequences

Opens by identifying fruit and vegetable consumption differences between socio‐economic groups in Britain. Goes on to outline current understanding of antioxidants and the role they have in preventing or stemming disease processes. Explores factors which determine consumption of fruit and vegetables across all social groups, before considering in detail the impact of inadequate income. Considers the relationship between smoking, low income and fruit and vegetable consumption and notes that despite increased antioxidant requirements smokers on low income exhibit lower levels of consumption. Rejects the notion that such purchasing patterns are irrational in the circumstances and concludes that a national healthy diet policy, particularly one which increases the consumption of fruit and vegetables, cannot be dissociated from social protection.