Forget eating five pieces of fruit a day – Britons struggle to eat just one piece of fruit in a month, according to a new study.
The survey of 2,000 people also found that the average UK adult goes three weeks without a green vegetable such as broccoli or spinach passing their lips.
More than half of vegetarian haters also admit that the only legumes (recommended for improving gut health) they eat are canned baked beans.
According to the NHS, we should all eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day to stay healthy.
Not only are they a good source of vital vitamins and minerals, they are also an excellent source of fibre which helps prevent digestive problems including bowel cancer.
According to the NHS, we should all eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day to stay healthy.
The study, conducted by fitness tracking app MyFitnessPal, also looked at the prevalence of common health problems that are often linked to diets lacking in fruits and vegetables.
About 20 percent said they suffered from heartburn regularly, while 15 percent cited problems with digestion, such as constipation.
Six out of ten people admitted to starting the week with the best intentions, buying fruit, vegetables and legumes, only to abandon their healthy eating plan and order takeaway mid-week.
Government guidelines recommend eating 30g of fibre (found in green vegetables, legumes and whole grains) per day.
However, the latest figures suggest the average Briton consumes around 18 grams a day – 60 per cent of what they should.
Eating plenty of fibre has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer.
MyFitnessPal nutrition expert Amanda Hamilton said: ‘The study reveals just how little the nation knows about its gut health, despite two-thirds saying they start the week with good intentions.
‘Eating a diet rich in a variety of plants (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds) is crucial for good gut health.’
