GlobalSpa
12-Jun-2019
Millions of cardiovascular diseases have been linked to inadequate consumption of fruits & vegetables. A recent study has shown that inadequate consumption of both fruits and vegetables leads to millions of deaths, all around the world, due to heart diseases and stroke. The study, revealed at the event ‘Nutrition 2019’, Baltimore Convention Center, considered data from the year 2010 and came up with the following results:
Following this research, researchers have defined an optimal intake of fruits and vegetables based on dietary guidelines and cardiovascular risk factors.
Optimal Fruit Intake: 300 grams per day, equivalent to approximately two small apples
Optimal Vegetable Intake (including legumes): 400 grams per day, equivalent to about three cups of raw carrots
The above-mentioned intake of fruits and vegetables was estimated through diet surveys and food availability data of 113 countries, that is, 82% of the world’s population.
Furthermore, the impact of inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables was greatest in countries consuming fewer protective foods. Countries of South Asia, East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa were found to have low fruit intake which in turn had high rates of stroke deaths. Countries in Central Asia and Oceania had low vegetable intake and high rates of coronary heart diseases.
According to age group, low intake of fruits and vegetables had greater proportional impact on cardiovascular deaths mostly among young adults. By gender, low intake of fruits and vegetables had a greater impact on cardiovascular deaths mostly among men since women tend to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Global nutrition priorities have traditionally focused on providing adequate calories, vitamins & reducing salt and sugar intake. This indicates to increase consumption of fruits & vegetables. Not only have they been primary source of energy for us but they also have tremendous potential for improving your health.
