No U.S. state is meeting national objectives for consumption of fruits and vegetables, according to the first report to provide state–by–state data about fruit and vegetable consumption and policies that may help Americans eat more fruits and vegetables.
“State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables, 2009”was released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Healthy People 2010 objectives aim for at least 75 percent of Americans to eat the recommended two or more daily servings of fruit, and for at least 50 percent of Americans to eat the recommended three or more servings of vegetables daily. However, CDC surveys indicate that only 33 percent of adults meet the recommendation for fruit consumption and 27 percent get the recommended servings of vegetables. The statistics are even worse for high school students – 32 percent report eating at least two servings of fruit daily and 13 percent say they eat at least three servings of vegetables each day.
“A diet high in fruits and vegetables is important for optimal child growth, maintaining a healthy weight, and prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers, all of which currently contribute to health care costs in the United States,” said Dr. William H. Dietz, director of CDC′s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. “This report will help states determine what is taking place in their communities and schools and come up with ways to encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables.”
Ironically, even though our society consumes less than the recommended amount of fruit, I question the integrity of the fruit that IS consumed. When fruit is pulled off the tree before ripening, then gassed, and bombarded with harmful chemicals, one should wonder how healthy the fruit really is? It stands to reason that fruit today is nothing like it used to be when your Mom had her own garden. Cancer and disease is rampant and has been linked to lack of fruit and vegetables in our daily diet. How do you get quality fruit every day conveniently without breaking the bank? We live in a pharmaceutical fast food culture and it all comes down to education. If we chose to ignore the studies and statistics thinking that it doesnt apply to you, keep in mind that 1 out of 2 men are going to get cancer. As well, 1 out of 3 women are going to get cancer. Alarming but true. Its never too late to make some positive changes that can positively impact you and your family's health in a major way.
