A survey by scientists from London’s University College has shown that cabbage has lost its dubious honour of being the most hated food of small children.

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The four- and five-year-olds asked to rank a list of 100 common foods, instead ranked avocado at the top of the “hate list”, above cabbage and several other traditionally rebuffed green vegetables. Avocado was one of only ten foods that received minus marks, along with leeks, marrow, melon and cottage cheese.


Unsurprisingly, the children ranked chocolate, chocolate biscuits, chips, yoghurt and ice cream as among their favourite foods.


The scientists were reportedly dismayed at the children’s response to avocado, because it is a healthy fruit, protecting the liver, lowering cholesterol and maintaining brain power.


In a bid to find the cloud’s silver lining, however, the British Dietetic Association did comment that at least the mention of avocados and other “sophisticated” foods by children suggested that parents were trying to provide varied and healthy diets.

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