WEDNESDAY, Aug. 24 (HealthDay News) -- American college students aren't eating anywhere near the recommended five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, a new study finds.
In fact, they aren't even eating one serving per day, according to an Oregon State University survey of 582 college students.
Males ate about five servings of fruit and vegetables per week while females consumed only four servings per week. Males had more fat in their diet than college women, but females had lower fiber intake.
Overall, females had better eating habits than males, including reading food labels, skipping fewer meals, and eating in college dining halls more frequently, the results showed.
"We found that students skipped meals fairly frequently, which could account for some of the lack of fruits and veggies," Brad Cardinal, a professor of exercise and sport science at Oregon State University, said in a university news release.
"Still, even accounting for fewer meals consumed, the students were on average not always eating even one serving of fruits or vegetables per day, far below USDA [U.S. Department of Agriculture] guidelines," he added.
The study was released online in advance of publication in an upcoming print issue of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.
"We are not teaching youth how to be self-sustaining," Cardinal said. "Home economics and nutrition classes have all but disappeared from our schools in the K-12 system. There is a fundamental lack of understanding on how to eat well in a very broad sense."
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines the health benefits of fruits and vegetables.
Copyright © 2011 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Recommended Articles
4 Exercises to Heal Diastasis Recti
Feb. 3, 2017
Experts share the best ways to rehab and strengthen your core post-pregnancy.
Medicare Glossary: a Guide to Terminology
Oct. 25, 2016
Medicare Advantage Plan? Annual notice of change? Here's what it all means.
Is Your Running Habit Deserving of a Beer?
Oct. 25, 2016
Exercise may moderate alcohol's negative effects. But don’t get sideways on the science.
Best Medicare Advantage Plans 2017
Oct. 14, 2016
The companies in our list offer highly rated Medicare Advantage plans.
How U.S. News Picked the Best Medicare Plans for 2017
Oct. 14, 2016
U.S. News rated the best companies for private Medicare Advantage and drug coverage.
Best Medicare Part D Plans 2017
Oct. 14, 2016
The companies in our list offer highly rated Medicare Part D plans.
After Gestational Diabetes: How to Prevent a Type 2 Diagnosis
Oct. 14, 2016
This risk of developing diabetes is many times higher for women who had it during pregnancy.
What You Should Know Before Taking New Blood Thinners
Oct. 13, 2016
New drugs to prevent clot and stroke promise ease of use, but concerns have been raised about safety.
What to Know Before Undergoing Heart Valve Replacement Surgery
Aug. 1, 2016
Medical advances mean more choices – and sometimes, more room for confusion.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Recovering from Colorectal Surgery
Aug. 1, 2016
If toilet talk causes you verbal constipation, start by asking your doctor these seven questions.
