Expert Urges Stronger Fruit Campaigns Among Youth

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Regular fruit consumption should become a daily habit to improve public health and reduce the growing burden of obesity across Asia. According to Carl Vincent Cabanilla, Senior Science Research Specialist at the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology, Philippines, fruits provide essential nutrients while helping people replace unhealthy snacks with healthier food choices.

Speaking on Voice of Indonesia's The Insight program on World Fruit Day, Cabanilla emphasized that fruits are naturally rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial antioxidants. He said these nutrients promote fullness after meals while improving overall diet quality and reducing dependence on energy-dense processed foods.

He explained that people who regularly consume fruits and vegetables generally face lower risks of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. He added that the World Health Organization recommends consuming at least 400 grams, or five daily servings, of fruits and vegetables.

However, he stressed that fruits alone cannot solve obesity because the condition is influenced by many lifestyle, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. Promoting fruit consumption should therefore accompany healthier eating habits, increased physical activity, and reduced intake of sugary drinks and processed foods.

Young people, Cabanilla noted, are strongly influenced by social media, digital marketing, and changing food trends in their everyday lives. Therefore, fruits should be promoted as convenient, enjoyable, fashionable, and aspirational foods rather than simply emphasizing their nutritional benefits.

He encouraged governments, schools, businesses, and content creators to use social media influencers and creative digital campaigns promoting fresh fruit consumption. Attractive fruit packs, fruit bowls, and ready-to-eat healthy snacks can also better match modern lifestyles without encouraging excessive sugar intake.

For families, Cabanilla recommended making healthy choices easier by keeping fresh fruits visible, affordable, and readily available at home every day. Parents can replace sugary snacks with whole fruits and encourage children to enjoy colorful varieties during meals and snack times.

Cabanilla conveyed that healthier diets require supportive environments where nutritious foods are widely available, affordable, and socially desirable for everyone. By making fruits an attractive part of everyday life, Asian countries can build healthier generations and reduce diet-related diseases over time.