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CDC: Low fruit vegetable consumption could cause heart disease

Updated: 2009-10-01 22:19:00 CST Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

by Brendan Missett

A government study reported that no state in the U.S. achieved national objectives for consuming fruits and vegetables, as set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC report, dubbed the State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables, 2009, revealed that only 33 percent of adults eat the recommended amount of fruit and only 27 percent meet the target for vegetables, HealthDay News reports.

In the Healthy People 2010 program, the CDC set its sights on persuading Americans to eat at least two daily servings of fruit and at least three daily servings of vegetables.

Dr William H. Dietz, director of the CDC's Division of Nutrition commented "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."

To rectify the health problem, the report recommends that healthier options be available in food stores and schools across the country and that support be given to food policy councils which organize to improve access to fresh produce at community and state levels.

The Institute of Food Research says that a healthy intake of fruits and vegetables in the short-term can prevent the onset of illnesses such as heart disease and cancer for 20 years.

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