Study: US Adults STILL Only Consume 9% Of Their Recommended Vegetable Intake

Credit: NewHealthGuide.com
Credit: NewHealthGuide.com

Despite continued efforts by health care practitioners, governmental agencies, and informative documentaries, it seems Americans are still falling short of meeting recommended guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake. According to ABC News, a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that only 13% of adults eat the recommended amount of fruit each day, and only 9% obtain the necessary daily vegetables. The thresholds weren’t necessarily that high, either: at present, the U.S. government recommends one and half to two cups of fruit per individual each day, while the vegetable cutoff is set at two to three cups. 

If one were to indulge in a green smoothie in the morning and a leafy, green salad with their evening meal, they could easily accomplish the task of consuming the minor recommendations for nutrient-dense, fiber-rich, plant-based foods.

Hundreds of thousands of Americans were polled in the survey conducted in 2013. What was revealed is that Tennessee comes in at the worst at eating fruit, and Mississippi is the worst at consuming vegetables, with Oklahoma not too far behind. All in all, fewer than 6% of adults were found to consume an adequate amount of both fruit and vegetables. 

greensmoothie
Credit: Blog.Coach.Me

Is it really shocking, then, that developing nations consuming fare similar to the Standard American Diet are becoming fatter and unhealthier than previous generations? It’s already been proven that children’s’ poor eating habits are leading to lower IQ’s, what will it take to convince households to optimize their eating plan so future generations might live longer than their parents?

“Eating more fruits and vegetables adds nutrients to diets, reduces the risk for heart disease, stroke, and some cancers, and helps manage body weight when consumed in place of more energy-dense foods,” begins the report, the entirety of which can be read here.

It is to be noted that the survey does acknowledge potential limitations, but, overall, the low numbers across the country are distressing.

“Increased attention to food environments in multiple settings, including child care, schools, communities, and worksites, might help improve fruit and vegetable intake, and thus help prevent chronic disease,” concludes the release.

If you – like many – believe it is too costly to eat healthfully, we highly recommend you check out the  article, “How To Eat Healthy For Only $1 More per Day.”

With a bit of extra planning, social support, and willingness to include some healthier options, better health and increased happiness is almost guaranteed.

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