CDC study finds only 1 in 10 Americans eat enough fruits and vegetables

Only a small percentage of Americans eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The report found that just twelve percent of Americans meet the daily fruit recommendation of one and a half to two cups per day. Only nine percent meet the daily vegetable recommendation of two to three cups.

The findings are based on data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which surveys eating habits across the United States.

Researchers noted that certain groups are even less likely to consume adequate fruits and vegetables. Men, young adults, and people living in poverty had especially low intake levels.

While more than fifteen percent of women meet fruit intake recommendations, fewer than ten percent of men do the same. Vegetable intake was also lower among lower income households.

Public health officials have long linked low fruit and vegetable intake to increased risk of chronic health conditions, including heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Consumption levels also varied by state. For example, fewer than three percent of young adults in South Dakota reported eating the recommended amount of vegetables. West Virginia had some of the lowest overall vegetable intake, while Alaska ranked slightly higher, though still at low levels.

Experts note that improving intake nationwide is challenging in part because only a small percentage of United States farmland is devoted to growing fruits and vegetables.

Increasing access, affordability, and availability of produce remains an important goal for improving long term public health.

Source: The Guardian