The majority of adults need to double the consumption of fruits and vegetables for the crucial nutrition, health benefits -
New research published in the September issue of the British Journal of Nutrition and presented in world Phytonutrient report just published shows a significant deficit in fruit and vegetable consumption in the diets of people around the world. Commissioned by the Nutrilite Health Institute of Amway, the search finds the majority of adults in the world would be at least double their consumption of fruits and vegetables to meet the minimum recommendation of the World Health Organization five servings (400 grams) per day. In addition, the vast majority of the world's adults - 60-87 percent in 13 geographic regions diet -. Fall short of this recommendation and missing on nutrition and health crucial advantages
The gap between the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables and what adults actually eat also indicates that most adults in the world do not receive the amount or variety of phytonutrients - organic compounds found in fruits and vegetables - potentially needed to support their health and wellbeing. Although specific recommendations for phytonutrient consumption levels has not been established uniformly throughout the world, a growing number of research suggests that eating foods rich in phytonutrients can provide a range of health benefits, promoting eye, bone and heart health, support immune function and brain. Many phytonutrients are powerful antioxidants that can help fight against the damage to the cells in our bodies over time.
"Insights research highlights a global need for better awareness of the relationship between consumption of fruits and vegetables, and phytonutrient intakes," said Keith Randolph, Ph.D., strategist nutrition technology at the Institute for the Nutrilite Health and co-author of the study published in the British Journal of nutrition.
the effect of the low consumption of fruit and vegetables and availability phytonutrient intake
research has examined the impact of the low consumption of fruits and vegetables on phytonutrient consumption in each of the 13 areas studied. This review revealed adults consume at least five servings daily of fruits and vegetables were two to six times the average consumption of phytonutrients adults consume less than five servings per day.
in addition, the research examines the variety and availability of fruit and vegetables in each region. It shows that the phytonutrient intake estimates vary considerably certain areas, a reflection of limited availability of certain fruit and vegetables
The main results include :.
• European Regions:
When compared to other regions, adults in European regions, particularly in northern Europe, probably have high intakes of alpha-carotene and beta-carotene , partly due to the high relative availability of carrots. These phytonutrients are known to support the growth and healthy development
• Asian Regions :.
adults in Asia (A), which includes China and India, probably relatively low intakes ellagic acid because of the limited availability of berries. Ellagic acid has proven vital to the health of cells
• South / Central America: Adults in South / Central America have probably relatively low intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin - phytonutrients thought to be crucial for healthy vision - by compared to adults in Asia. . or North
Europe • All regions: fruiting vegetables (eg, tomatoes and corn), and the tropical and subtropical fruits (eg, plantains and bananas) are among the vegetables and most fruits commonly available in most areas. Given this, adults worldwide consumption of fruit and vegetables will be eligible to receive a certain level of lycopene, which promotes heart health and alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and lutein / zeaxanthin.
"Both the quantity and variety of fruits and vegetables in the diet of a person are important," said Mary Murphy, MS, RD, senior scientist at Exponent general, Inc. and co-author of the study. "to consume a variety of phytonutrients people should aim to meet recommended intakes of fruits and vegetables and eat a fruit and vegetable assortment."
Factors contributing to low phytonutrient intake
Dr. Randolph acknowledged that busy lives, cost, geographic and seasonal availability, as well as the perception of the value of fruit and vegetables as a food source, may adversely affect the consumption of fruits and vegetables people, and ultimately , phytonutrients.
"No matter where they live, many adults today lead busy, active lives and / or may have limited access to certain fruits and vegetables," said Randolph. "That's why it is important that adults eat whole foods, including fruits and vegetables whenever possible. But when availability is limited or diet is not enough, dietary supplementation may be an option for people looking to increase their phytonutrient consumption, "said Randolph.
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