Research Reveals UK in Need of an Omega 3 Boost

08/06/06 New research by Flora in the UK reveals the nation's consumption of Omega 3 is low because we are struggling to encourage our families to eat more of the foods containing this important nutrient. With over 80 per cent of people concerned that no one in their family is eating enough, both adults and children urgently need help to boost the Omega 3 in their diet.

Including Omega 3, found in foods such as oily fish and dark green leafy vegetables, in our diets is important for heart health and brain function. Although further research is needed, some experts believe it may also help learning and concentration, and some research shows it could play a role in joint health but the jury is still out.

To help give the nation an Omega 3 boost, Flora has launched a new range packed with Omega 3 and have also teamed up with busy mum Louise Redknapp to develop a Boost Guide packed full of practical help to encourage the whole family to eat more Omega 3.

Over a third of women and nearly half of their partners rarely eat meals that contain oily fish and less than a third (31 per cent) eat the recommended one portion per week.

When it comes to our children the picture is even worse with over a half (58 per cent) of children eating oily fish less than once a month and only a measly quarter (26 per cent) eating the recommended one portion a week.

Over half of adults and over 40 per cent of children are not eating enough dark green leafy vegetables, only eating them less than once a week.

Nutritionist Fiona Hunter explains: "Although the 'five a day' message is getting through to people, with over 80 per cent actively trying to boost their family's intake of fruit and vegetables, only 36 per cent of people are trying to boost their family's intake of foods that contain Omega 3. The research by Flora clearly indicates that the nation urgently needs practical help and advice on how to boost their intake."

Why is our consumption of Omega 3 so low? The Flora research indicates that perhaps we don't enjoy foods rich in Omega 3.
- 58 per cent of mums said they found it hard to get their children to eat oily fish
- 60 per cent found it hard to get them to tuck into dark green leafy vegetables
And, it's not just kids who don't like Omega 3 rich foods. Over 40 per cent of women also find it hard to encourage their partners to include these foods in their diet.

To help the nation boost their Omega 3 intake busy mum Louise Redknapp and nutritionist Fiona Hunter have teamed up to produce the Flora Omega 3 Boost Guide.
Packed full of practical advice to increase the Omega 3 in your family's diet the Boost Guide contains an informative booklet, seven day meal planner, Omega 3 recipe cards and a fun Omega 3 place mat.

A 20g serving (enough for 3-4 slices of bread) of the new Flora Omega 3 Plus spread contains 600mg plant source Omega 3 and 135mg fish source Omega 3 (30 per cent RDI). RRP GBP1.49 for 500g.