Studies suggest that most Americans eat a faulty diet that does not include the required servings of fruits and vegetables every day. In the last 15 years, after hearing the 5 A Day goal for fruit and vegetable consumption, only 40 percent of Americans meet the goal.
Eating more fruits and veggies is an important step to help prevent cancer and heart disease. And it was recommended that people atleast eat 5 or more servings of fruits and veggies a day.
It was noted that no more than 17 percent of Americans meet the current recommendations for potassium and fiber. It was also observed that low intake of vitamins A and C, and magnesium tends to reflect lack of fruits and vegetables.
Now the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans require them to consime 7 to 10 fruit and vegetable servings for sedentary adults. And from 8 to 13 servings are required for those with higher calorie needs, based on age, gender and activity levels.
It was noted that most Americans choose vegetables that are not high in nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium. The committee has therefore set new targets for specific types of vegetables.
Now people need to consume 4 to 6 servings weekly of green leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach and romaine, 3 to 5 servings weekly of orange vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and winter squash and 5 to 7 servings weekly of legumes and beans like kidney, garbanzo, soybeans, lentils and split peas. Apart from these, you should consume atleast 5 fresh fruits a day.
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