The latest consumer survey released by AUSVEG today shows that the average vegetable consumption of Australian adults is only half of the recommended intake, based on guidelines published by the National Health and Medical Research Council.

The findings from the survey coincide with Change Day 2014, a national health initiative that will see over 9,000 Australians activate their pledges for better well-being around the country today. 

“The survey of 675 Australian vegetable consumers showed adults were consuming an average of only 2.5 serves of vegetables per day, which is half the recommended daily intake for adults of 5-6 serves,” said Andrew White, AUSVEG Manager of Industry Development and Communications.    

“Also of concern was that the consumers that had kids stated their children were only consuming an average of 2.4 serves of vegetables per day, which is in the lower range of the vegetable intake recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council of 2-5 serves,” said Mr White.

AUSVEG is Australia’s leading horticulture body representing 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.

High vegetable consumption has long been associated with a range of health benefits, including a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, morbidity and some forms of cancer.

“The findings from the survey should be a wake-up call for many Australians who need to eat healthier and I would encourage them to make a pledge to improve their daily vegetable consumption,” said Mr White.

A Change Day 2014 pledge could be as simple as vowing to add a mix of colours to your meals at dinner, or to challenge yourself with a new recipe that includes a selection of vegetables that you wouldn’t normally use. 

“Eating a range of different coloured vegetables may be an easy way to access a higher intake of proteins, iron, some essential fatty acids, dietary fibres, micronutrients, folate and complex carbohydrates, and can also be an enjoyable way to cook and eat,” said Mr White.  

The survey results indicate there is a lot more that Australians could do for their families to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases by taking simple steps to increase their daily intake of fresh vegetables.  

Australians can make a pledge for better health for themselves, their family and their community at http://changeday.com.au.  

The consumer survey was funded through HAL using the National Vegetable Levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew White, Manager of Industry Development and Communications, AUSVEG; Phone: (03) 9882 0277 Mobile: 0409 989 575 E-mail: andrew.white@ausveg.com.au