The study, which was led by Dr. Latetia V. Moore and Dr. Frances E. Thompson, involved an examination of national survey data collected over the past few years. Participants were asked about their diets, with a special focus on the consumption of fruits and vegetables. A total of 373,580 people participated in the survey, which was carried out over the telephone.
Those behind the study compared the survey results with nationally recommended guidelines about fruit and veggie consumption. These guidelines state that adults should eat about 1.5- to 2-cups of fruit and 2- to 3-cups of vegetables every day (though more active adults should probably eat even more).
Results showed that only about 13.1-percent of American adults eat enough fruits, while less than one in ten (8.9-percent) consume a satisfactory amount of vegetables on a daily basis.
Looking at the data from a state-by-state basis, California ranks at the top, where 17.7 per cent of adults get enough fruit and 13-percent eat enough vegetables. At the opposite end of the spectrum is Tennessee, where only 7.5-percent of adults get enough fruit. Mississippi ranked lowest for vegetable consumption, at 5.5-percent.
The report’s authors are obviously concerned about the findings. “Substantial new efforts are needed to build consumer demand for fruits and vegetables through competitive pricing, placement and promotion in child care, schools, grocery stores, communities and worksites,” the report notes.
