Just 1 in 10 American adults consume enough vegetables and fruits- New Study

Photo: Kcdtsg/Wikimedia Commons

Rich in fibers and vitamins and low in fat, vegetables have long been known as hugely beneficial part of the diet. But lately, Americans seem to be turning away from fruits and vegetables which are also a natural source of immunity against and treatment for many of the diseases.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a study this week which says just 1 in 10 adults meet the federal fruit or vegetable intake recommendation.

The study published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report suggests the absence of enough diet could expose them to diseases like diabetes.

Corresponding age and sex, federal guidelines say American adults eat at least 1½ to 2 cups per day of fruit and 2 to 3 cups per day of vegetables as part of a healthy eating pattern.

Yet, the CDCP says in 2015, just 9 percent of adults met the intake recommendations for vegetables, ranging from 6 percent in West Virginia to 12 percent in Alaska while only 12 percent of adults met the recommendations for fruit, ranging from 7 percent in West Virginia to 16 percent in Washington, D.C.

Moreover, the study shows that consumption of fruits and vegetables was lower among men, young adults, and adults living in poverty.

“This report highlights that very few Americans eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables every day, putting them at risk for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease,” said Seung Hee Lee Kwan, Ph.D., of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, lead author of the study.

“As a result, we’re missing out on the essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that fruits and vegetables provide,” Kwan said, according to the Center.

The Center notes that seven of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States are from chronic diseases and consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables daily could help reduce the risk of many leading causes of illness and death, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and obesity.

“The findings indicate a need to identify and address barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption,” the Center says noting that previous studies found that high cost, limited availability and access, and perceived lack of cooking/preparation time as causing low levels of consumption of fruits and vegetables.

On its website, the CDC also suggests steps to increase access to fruits and vegetables.