Brits not doing enough to boost their immune system according to new research

With the UK in its third national lockdown as a new strain of COVID-19 spreads, research has revealed that only 53% of Brits are strengthening their immune systems with fruit and veg. Despite 82% claiming to be actively taking steps to fortify their immunity and two-thirds (66%) of Brits paying more attention to their health, only 17% have given up sugary foods; the same proportion have ditched fast food; more than half (59%) aren’t taking vitamins to fortify their bodies; and 1 in 5 (19%) are still unaware of what vitamins they should be taking.

The nationwide study, commissioned by Spoon Guru, the established London-based global AI food technology start-up, showcases the ways in which Brits are attempting to stay healthy in the midst of the worst public health scare of a generation. The top foods Brits are choosing to support their immunity are:

1.     Citrus fruits (48%)

2.     Bananas (46%)

3.     Apples (and other stone fruits) (42%)

4.     Tomatoes (41%)

5.     Fresh juices (39%)

6.     Nuts (38%)

7.     Salads (38%)

8.     Eggs (35%)

9.     Grapes (33%)

10.  Milk and dairy products (31%)

Meanwhile, half of Brits (45%) are calling on supermarkets to help them eat more healthily and 56% are urging the government to do more to educate consumers about how unhealthy eating can impact susceptibility to viruses and infections. A whopping 67% want the government and NHS to collaborate with the food industry to help consumers navigate healthy food options.

The survey highlights the extent to which consumers are finding it difficult to navigate healthy food options within supermarkets. 79% claim products aren’t labelled clearly enough and almost a quarter (24%) say supermarkets aren’t helping them to identify nutritious products. As well as calling on supermarkets for more support on healthy eating, 1 in 5 claim online retailers make it difficult to find healthy food items.

Dr Adrian Hodgson comments: “Brits know they should eat more immune strengthening fruit and veg with a view to aiding their health, however, it’s clear from our findings that they are missing a trick or two when it comes to wise diet choices.

“Fruit dominates the top ten immune supporting foods for Brits. Packed with fibre, vitamins, minerals and polyphenols fruit is essential for strong immunity. The difficult part is ensuring we all incorporate it into our diets through helpful, quick and easy recipes. Fruit juice – the nation’s fifth favourite health product – can be a good way of getting some immune supporting nutrients, but should be consumed in smaller amounts to avoid overconsumption of free sugars. Shockingly fruit juice can contain just as much, if not more, sugar than a soft drink.”

Dr Adrian Hodgson continues: “Our findings uncover a lack of knowledge amongst consumers when it comes to picking the right diet for supporting immunity. The challenge remains –  how can we all select better foods such as plant based and whole foods (fruit, vegetables, fibre rich foods) to support a healthy immune system? With so much choice on the market, it really is a minefield out there, and with the current health crisis, consumers need more help than ever when it comes to navigating healthy food options. Spoon Guru’s ‘Immunity Support TAG’ was built exactly with this in mind – our technology can safely process and classify hundreds of thousands of products to help shoppers in seconds, giving consumers up and down the country the peace of mind they need in these challenging times.”