A new CDC report states that Americans are still not consuming enough fruits and vegetables despite advice from nutritionists and other specialists.
The Behavioral Factor Surveillance System collected data from surveys across the U.S. which the Center for Disease Control used to compile the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
The report stated that American adults fail to consume the recommended daily amount of fresh fruits and vegetables. The aim of the survey was too monitor the eating habits of ordinary Americans and track the progress made by the population.
Only 13.1 percent of U.S. residents were reported to consume the one and a half to two cups of fruit which are recommended by the federal guidelines. Even worse, only around 9 percent of Americans are consuming the daily recommended amount of vegetables which is two to three cups.
The southern states residents of Mississippi and Tennessee were found to have to the worst eating habits in the country while California was found to have the biggest percentage of population which consumes the federal recommended daily amounts of fruit and vegetables.
The study recommends that efforts made by nutritionists and other specialists to convince the population to eat a healthier diet be boosted.
The study also recommends the introduction of more fruits and vegetables in school and work lunches, which include meetings and other special events. Specialists also recommend that companies which serve office or work menus consider using more fresh vegetables as a part of the food making process.
But the problem is not necessarily one of what you eat but how you eat it. Frozen vegetables that can be found in supermarkets and other locations sometimes do not contain the nutritional values of fresh produces thus they are less potent in fighting off diseases and keeping the immune system healthy.
Another issue concerns the production of fruits and vegetables, which must comply with federal and local regulations. In some cases improperly stored and produced greens can lead to food poisoning or can be infected with insect larva or parasites.
However the main problem is financial. As shown by the study, states with a higher rate of unemployment or a low average income like Mississippi are at the top of the “how not to eat” list.
While federal recommendations are useful and well intentioned, there is a necessity for more government programs which could offer incentives to local producers and retailers. This could ensure that companies lower the price of fresh food resulting in affordable options.
At the moment fast food remains popular despite warnings from federal, local and specialist agencies. This is largely due to the costs that a month’s supply of fresh quality food involves.
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