Americans not eating enough fruits, veggies: CDC

A "State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables, 2009" issued by CDC shows that only 33 percent of adults consume two servings of fruit each day and only 27 percent eat the recommended amount of at least three vegetables per day.

The scenario is even worse in case of the high school students because only 32 percent of the teens eat at least two servings of the fruits daily and 13 percent meet the goal for vegetables.

However, a national health promotion and disease prevention initiative called -- The Healthy People 2010 objectives -- maintains that at least 75 percent of Americans should eat two or more daily servings of fruit everyday, and at least 50 percent of Americans should eat three or more servings of vegetables everyday.

The report also mentions that no state has been able to meet these national targets for consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Fruit-veggie rich diet crucial for overall health
Dr. William H. Dietz, director of the CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, said that 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.

“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,” he added.

Policy decisions could enhance healthy food consumption
The report emphasizes on three important policy and environmental areas -- healthier food retail, availability of healthier foods in schools, and food system support -- that could enhance and maintain a healthy food consumption routine among people.

Food retail improvements: Currently, only eight states in the country have policy for healthier retail improvements. However, these retail stores, like supermarkets, can play a very crucial role for the residents’ health by stocking a variety of high-quality fruits and vegetables.

Schools providing healthy food: The schools can also encourage better eating habits among the children but the report states that only 21 percent of the middle and the high schools in America offer fruits and non-fried vegetables in vending machines and the snack bars of the schools. Very few schools have policies to support programs that could teach the children about nutrition.

Food policy councils: The report also suggested that there should be food policy councils in every state that could make recommendations about policies and monitor the availability of fresh produce in supermarkets and farm-to-school programs. Presently, 20 U.S. states have a state-level food policy council and 59 local food policy councils operate across the country.

“When state officials, health professionals, employers, retail owners, farmers, school staff, and community members work together their efforts can increase the number of Americans who live healthier lives by increasing the availability of affordable healthier food choices such as fruits and vegetables,” concluded the CDC report.