Zespri's Feel Good Study Boosts Children's Wellbeing

Zespri, a leading fruit company, recently conducted a pioneering study called the Feel Good Study to investigate how eating fruits and vegetables can impact children's wellbeing. This study, carried out in collaboration with the University of Auckland in New Zealand, focused on children aged eight to 10 years old to understand the effects of a 10-week fruit and vegetable dietary intervention.

The research aimed to see how increasing fruit and vegetable intake could influence children's mental and cognitive health. By encouraging healthy eating habits and exposing children to a variety of fruits and vegetables, the study sought to improve their acceptance of these foods.

Zespri's General Manager of Global Marketing stressed the importance of early nutrition in shaping a child's lifelong health. The study yielded positive results, showing that children who participated had better acceptance of fruits and vegetables, improved overall diet quality, increased vegetable consumption, and parents who made healthier food choices for their kids.

The intervention involved engaging children in fun activities with fruits and vegetables at school and home, providing families with resources to sustain healthy habits. The study also found that children in the intervention group had higher emotional wellbeing scores compared to the control group.

The Feel Good Study highlights the significance of including fruits and vegetables in children's diets for their overall wellbeing. Zespri plans to expand this research to other markets to further understand the benefits of healthy eating habits in children.

Through its nutrition programs, Zespri is dedicated to promoting the consumption of fresh kiwifruit globally and encouraging healthy eating habits among children. By fostering positive dietary choices, Zespri aims to contribute to a healthier society and a better future for upcoming generations.