Even though more people are eating the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables each day, it seems that the vast majority of the population is still ignoring government recommendations. The American Heart Association’s (AHA) annual report revealed that 19% of men reported eating the recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables in 1996, compared with nearly 17% in 1990. Similarly, the number of women eating adequate amounts of fruit and veg also increased, with more than 26% of women meeting dietary recommendation in 1996 compared with just over 21% back in 1990. Research has shown that eating a low-fat, low-sodium diet containing plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and fish can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Some experts say that people should eat as many as nine servings of fruit and veg daily to gain the maximum benefits.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 31st December 2001
