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One goal of Healthy
People 2010, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’
program to improve the health of Americans, is to get more
than 75 percent of the population to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Evidence from recent
studies indicating that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, lean meat, poultry and fish, and low in fat
and sodium reduces the risk of heart disease, has led some
researchers to suggest that individuals should eat nine servings
of fruits and vegetables each day.
However, results
from a survey of 732 Minnesota residents indicated that only
16 percent of adults eat five or more servings of fruits and/or
vegetables each day and limit their fat intake to no more
than 30 percent of calories.
Previous surveys
have also shown that American diets do not follow the established
daily recommendations. For example, a national survey found
that only about 33 percent of the U.S. population follow the
American Heart Association’s low-fat, heart healthy recommendations,
and a 16-state survey found that less than one-quarter of
adults eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables
each day.
Researchers say
that effective methods to promote healthier dietary habits
among the U.S. population need to be established.
Mayo
Clinic Proceedings February 2003;78;161-166
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