Recent Blog Articles

Optimism, heart health, and longevity: Unraveling the link for Black Americans

Late-stage cervical cancer on the rise: What to know

A mindful way to help manage type 2 diabetes?

Close relationships with neighbors influence cardiovascular health in Black adults

Why play? Early games build bonds and brain

5 numbers linked to ideal heart health

Rating the drugs in drug ads

Postpartum anxiety is invisible, but common and treatable

The popularity of microdosing of psychedelics: What does the science say?

Pouring from an empty cup? Three ways to refill emotionally
Staying Healthy
Most Americans don’t eat enough fruits and veggies
Research we're watching
Image: © Lilechka75/Thinkstock
If you’re like most Americans, you aren’t eating enough fruits and vegetables, according to the CDC. A study published in the CDC’s Nov. 17, 2017, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report shows only about one in 10 adults meets federal recommendations, which call for most women to eat 1.5 cups of fruit and between 2 and 2.5 cups of vegetables each day.
"In 2015, just 9% of adults met the intake recommendations for vegetables, ranging from 6% in West Virginia to 12% in Alaska. Only 12% of adults met the recommendations for fruit, ranging from 7% in West Virginia to 16% in Washington, D.C.," reported the CDC.
Not eating enough of these foods can harm your health, putting you at higher risk for diabetes and heart disease and even certain cancers, not to mention leaving you at risk for nutritional deficiencies.
If you think you might be falling short in this department, it's time to make an effort to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet. The CDC offers some simple tips in "The CDC Guide to Strategies to Increase the Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables," available free at /fandv.
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!