Health TipsJune 15 2021

A Banana and Half an Apple a Day: Eating Enough Fruits & Vegetables

A woman dressed in yellow holds half an orange up to her eye

Do you live in Tennessee?

If so, you might not be eating enough fruits and vegetables.

According to a recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only one in every 10 Americans eats enough fruits and vegetables.

The CDC study is the first to break down fruit and vegetable consumption on a state-by-state basis. Tennessee and Mississippi ranked among the lowest in terms of people eating enough fruits and vegetables.

According to the researchers, only 13 percent of U.S. residents eat one and a half to two cups of fruit every day as recommended by federal dietary guidelines. Less than 9 percent eat two to three cups of vegetables every day as recommended.

For people who have a hard time keeping up with serving size, it can be easier to remember that the following amounts fulfill daily recommendations.

  • One banana + half an apple daily = daily fruit serving
  • One side salad + two servings of vegetables = daily vegetable serving

In addition to helping manage body weight, eating more fruits and vegetables adds nutrients to diets, reduces the risk for heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.

For reliable information on nutrition, or any health related topic, contact the Health Information Center. Staffed by medical librarians and certified health information specialists, the Health Information Center offers an extensive health library, digital and print resources, walk-in assistance, and help with research on specific health conditions – all free of charge and available to the public.

If you don't have a doctor and would like help finding one, contact Healthcare Coordination to make an appointment.