Fruits and Vegetables--How Are We Doing?

Adults in the United States have been encouraged to "Strive for 5," meaning "eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily." A recent report suggests that we have taken the letter of this message to heart. A large study found that men and women eat an average of 3.6 servings of vegetables and 1.6 servings of fruits daily for a total of 5.2 servings of fruits and vegetables. Sounds good, right? It does until you look at the numbers more closely. The most commonly consumed fruits and vegetables are iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, French fried potatoes, bananas, and orange juice--not a wide variety supplying diverse nutrients. Where are the broccoli and other dark green and cruciferous vegetables like kale, collards, and Brussels sprouts? Where are the carrots, sweet potatoes, and other good sources of carotenoids? Where are citrus fruits? These foods have been linked to reduced cancer risk. French fries and iceberg lettuce have not. "Strive for 5" may not be enough. Broccoli or carrots, anyone?

Johnston CS, Taylor CA, Hampl JS. 2000. More Americans are eating "5 A Day" but intakes of dark green and cruciferous vegetables remain low. J Nutr 130: 3063-3067.