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Urban poor children have low vegetable consumption due to food insecurities leading to limited access to vegetables. Children's involvement in gardening may improve their vegetable consumption and connection with nature. This qualitative study explored the potential facilitators and barriers related to vegetable consumption and gardening among urban poor children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Four focus group discussions were conducted among 20 randomly selected children aged 9–12 years, residing in selected low‐cost flats in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from November 2021 to January 2022. Thematic analysis via NVivo software was conducted to analyse the transcripts. Children reported several barriers to eating vegetables, such as disliking taste, sensory and appearance, limited accessibility and vegetable availability at home. Most children felt positive and interested to join gardening. The findings are useful in planning nutrition intervention programmes that incorporate gardening as one of the elements to improve vegetable consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the efforts made to promote consumption, some countries are not increasing their fruit and vegetable intake, while household structures are undergoing relevant changes. Fruit and vegetable consumption is necessary but not sufficient for a healthy diet. Previous research has linked adequate fruit and vegetable consumption to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and some mental health conditions. Furthermore, millions of deaths are reported annually worldwide due to diets low in fruit and vegetables, highlighting their critical public health importance. This study aims to separately analyze the purchases of fruit and vegetables in single-person households. We used three waves of the Family Budget Survey, Encuesta de Presupuestos Familiares, in Chile, which is nationally representative of urban areas and includes over 10,000 households in each wave. We employed descriptive statistics to examine the characteristics of the head of household and the food shopper as well as the structure, composition, and overall characteristics of households. Additionally, we performed separate analyses for fruit and vegetable purchases, using these variables to determine the marginal effect on the probability of purchasing fruit or vegetables through probit models. Results show that, from 2011–2012 to 2021–2022, the share of households not purchasing fruit and vegetables increased from 5.0% to 8.4% and that, in single-person households, it rose from 11.2% to 19.1%. Male-headed, single-person households with low education and income were more likely not to purchase fruit, and these households also have decreasing vegetable purchases. Additionally, household income significantly impacts fruit purchases but does not significantly affect vegetable purchases. Our findings highlight the importance of considering single-person households as a target population segment for future public policies to promote fruit and vegetable consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjective: This study investigated collegians’ (N = 466) vegetable consumption as a function of their food choice motivations, gender, and dietary habits. Method: Vegetarians and vegans (veg*ns, n = 94, 60% women), occasional meat eaters (n = 90, 66% women), and omnivores (n = 282, 43% women) completed the Food Choice Questionnaire and reported frequency of vegetable consumption. Results: Veg*ns consumed vegetables more frequently than omnivores and occasional meat eaters. Veg*ns’ and occasional meat eaters’ food choices were more motivated by natural content, health, and ethics, and less motivated by familiarity compared to omnivores. Women were more motivated than men by weight control. Health concerns predicted vegetable consumption for all dietary groups. Additionally, familiarity predicted veg*ns vegetable consumption, whereas mood, natural content, and convenience predicted omnivores’ vegetable consumption. Conclusions: Individual differences in dietary habits and food choice motivations should be considered when designing strategies to promote healthful diets for university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regular consumption of vegetables and fruits has been indicated as part of a healthy diet. They are considered healthy foods because they are sources of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Adequate intake of these foods can reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and various types of cancer. The objective of the present study was to determine the consumption habits of vegetables and fruits in two different countries, Portugal and France. For this descriptive study, it was used a questionnaire survey, applied to individuals over 18 years old and carried out through the internet, being disseminated on social networks and by email. The sample was constituted by 640 participants (257 from Portugal and 383 from France). Statistical tools were used for the treatment of data, like the T-Test and chi-square test utilised to compare the results between Portuguese and French consumers. The results showed that the Portuguese eat out more often than the French. Portuguese and French like vegetables equally but the French eat more vegetables and fruit per week on average than the Portuguese. The French like soup as much as the Portuguese but the Portuguese eat soup more regularly than the French and prefer soup with cut pieces, unlike the French which prefer soup with grounded vegetables. The global consumption of vegetables and fruits is low in both countries and should be increased, most especially in Portugal, where the consumption is lower. In conclusion, despite some differences found across consumers according to country, the consumption of these foods is still below the recommendations of the World Health Organisation, and therefore, some more actions are necessary to incentivise a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy lifestyle.

The "Food as Medicine" (FAM) movement encourages public health and medical professionals to recognize the importance of dietary patterns and food access. The purpose of this work was to describe patient and physician engagement with a produce prescription (PRx) program to improve access to fresh vegetables in a healthcare setting. A Federally Qualified Health Center, regenerative farm, and academic institution partnered for the PRx program (2017–21). During harvest seasons, patients redeemed "prescriptions" for initial and "refill" produce boxes. Baseline food insecurity surveys were embedded in electronic medical records. Refill surveys assessed satisfaction and confidence. Electronic surveys to prescribing physicians assessed program knowledge, expectations, and motivations. Across 8 biannual harvests generating 9986 produce boxes, 8046 patients received prescriptions, 6227 redeemed prescriptions for ≥1 box, and 720 redeemed for ≥2 boxes. Seasonally, initial redemption rates ranged from 64.5% to 82.7%; refill rates ranged from 6.8% to 16.7%. Among participants, 70.8% sometimes/often worried food would run out and 66.7% sometimes/often ran out of food. Among those with refills, there was high satisfaction with food quality (95.8%) and variety (97.2%), and 94.2% were confident preparing meals from produce. Among physicians (n = 22), 100% self-reported adequate knowledge about PRx for patient recommendations, and 100% believed PRx had benefit for patients. Chronic conditions (77%), low socioeconomic status (64%), and food insecurity (59%) were common motivating factors for prescriptions. We demonstrated the feasibility of implementing a cross-sector, seasonal PRx program within a multisite healthcare system. More research is needed to refine implementation toward greater patient refill rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elucidating the absorption and translocation of heavy metal(loid)s by common vegetables across different growth environments and stages is crucial for conducting accurate environmental risk assessments and for associated control. This study investigated temporal variations in the absorption and translocation capacities of pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in polluted soils during the plant growth cycle under greenhouse and open-field cultivation modes. Results showed high root metal(loid) bioconcentration factors and root-to-shoot translocation factors for Cd (0.25 and 1.44, respectively) and Zn (0.26 and 1.01), but low values for As (0.06 and 0.88) and Pb (0.06 and 0.87). The Cd concentration in the aerial edible parts peaked during the early slow growth period, whereas other heavy metal(loid)s peaked during the later stable maturity period. Root bioconcentration and root-to-shoot translocation factors did not significantly differ between cultivation modes. However, greenhouse cultivation exhibited lower average Cd and Zn concentrations in the edible parts and cumulative uptake amounts of most metal(loid)s than open-field cultivation during the typical harvest period spanning days 60 and 90. Short-term transitioning from open-field to greenhouse cultivation may reduce health risks associated with heavy metal(loid) intake via pak choi consumption. These findings facilitate sustainable agricultural practices and food safety management.

Abstract Background While vegetable intakes in Australia remain sub-optimal across all age groups, children are rarely consulted about their ideas on how to increase consumption. Qualitative research involving children provides an opportunity to consider their views. The aim of the Kids initiative inspires Dietary Success in Adults and Youth (KiiDSAY) project was to explore the views of school-aged children, who had participated in a school-based nutrition education program, about inspiring their peers and families to eat more vegetables. Methods A total of 26 children (15 boys) aged 10–12 years from four primary schools in New South Wales, Australia, participated in seven focus group interviews. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit participants. The study involved open-ended semi-structured questions conducted via Zoom that were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis with deductive and inductive coding in NVivo. Results Four major themes emerged: (i) taste; (ii) family environment; (iii) healthy eating; and (iv) change makers; with subthemes that were embedded within Social Cognitive Theory and Ecological Model of Health Behaviour theoretical frameworks. Conclusions Children’s inputs hold great potential for informing future interventions, particularly when designing or refining school-based nutrition programs. Children offered suggestions on how to inspire increased vegetable consumption among their peers and families that could be taken into consideration for future research and practice. These included: cooking activities in the home and school settings using recipes that creatively hide/mask/enhance the flavour of vegetables, involving positive role models and supportive school environments. Additionally, children recommended a sequential approach to the delivery of recipes starting from fruit-based and transitioning to vegetable-based recipes. Given the challenges faced in increasing children’s vegetable consumption, particular focus on future research in this area is warranted. Trial registration FEAST Trial registered 14th December 2020 with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620001347954).

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This study explores the potential of workplace edible gardens in promoting food self-provisioning (FSP) and in helping enhance food security in the Philippines. In 2017, an urban edible garden or Oh My Gulay! Sa FNRI (OMG) was set up in front of the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) Building to showcase the concept of an urban garden in a workplace. This is an example of FSP in the workplace. The study used primary and secondary data. Primary data included OMG vegetable volume harvested from 2018-2022 and the garden's land area. Secondary data were the national vegetable volume harvested and area from the Philippine Statistics Office (PSA). The characteristics and practices of OMG were also used to measure the OMG's productivity (yield and number of servings produced). The productivity of OMG was compared to the national productivity of 34 vegetable crops in the Philippines (PSA 2018-2022), except for 2020. The results demonstrate that an FSP in the workplace setting like OMG can provide adequate quantity to supply the vegetable recommendation for five adult individuals, following the WHO/FAO recommendation of consuming 400 g/d or 146 kg per adult individual per year of fruits and vegetables or a family composed of two adults and two children following the WHO/FAP recommendation of 1,300 g/d of fruits and vegetables. In addition, for every 71 m² of land cultivated in a manner similar to the OMG, it can sustain an adult's vegetable needs for an entire year. Furthermore, with a larger area of 397 m², the OMG garden can adequately supply a family with sufficient vegetables for a year, thereby showcasing its capacity to contribute to long-term food security at the household level. Study results provide evidence regarding workplace food provisioning to help address food insecurity in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits and vegetables are recommended as low-calorie foods that contribute to the proper intake of necessary micronutrients, macronutrients, and bioactive compounds with health benefits. However, the recommendations for the dietary intake of these foods fail to be attained in most European countries. For this reason, promoting more knowledge about the health effects of fruits and vegetables is essential to decrease the incidence of chronic diseases. This study was conducted to investigate the knowledge of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables among the population of Portugal and France. The present work involved a questionnaire survey of 639 participants (257 from Portugal and 382 from France). The results revealed that most participants were young females (68.9%) with good education (76%) and an average weight range. They consumed a varied diet (57%) but had body dissatisfaction (63.2%). The respondents had good knowledge about the health effects of fruits and vegetables. However, the French population knew more about the theme than the Portuguese. Portuguese individuals were more likely to have incomplete information. Gender and education significantly influenced knowledge levels, with females and highly educated individuals demonstrating greater understanding. Dissatisfaction with body weight drives individuals to seek nutrition information. This investigation enhances our comprehension of the factors that affect knowledge of vegetable and fruit consumption among young adults in Portugal and France. Moreover, it highlights the importance of implementing focused educational programs to enhance nutrition literacy, particularly for less-aware demographic groups. Going forward, a more in-depth analysis of these factors could assist in creating more efficient strategies to encourage healthier dietary habits and improve nutrition literacy among these communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dietary diversity is key in determining the quality of a person’s diet by including the consumption of several food groups. Vegetable gardening is a holistic approach to producing nutritious food and reducing food insecurity. Higher vegetable consumption is closely associated with better diet quality and dietary diversity score. Objective This study aims to analyze the vegetable consumption and diet diversity of households with vegetable gardens and households without vegetable gardens. Methods The study used a quantitative method and a descriptive and inferential research design. Given the specific profile of respondents, purposive sampling was employed. However, quotas per profile were set. The data were collected using quantitative tools such as guided questionnaires and a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire. Results The majority of the gardeners were female, ages 54 to 64, mainly living in the Barangay UP campus, with high school as their highest educational attainment. The non-gardeners were Vegetable gardeners who earned less than ₱20,000 compared to the non-gardeners who earned. Vegetable gardeners were likelier to meet the recommended vegetable consumption and had a higher Dietary Diversity Score. Conclusions The respondents who met the recommended vegetable intake of three to five servings were mostly vegetable gardeners. Thus, vegetable gardening aids in increasing the vegetable consumption of households because of the accessibility they have to nutritious foods compared to households that do not practice home gardening.

Compared to other food groups, vegetable intakes are lowest relative to recommendations. Breastfeeding and initial introduction to vegetables may help infants establish long-lasting taste preferences. We examined the relationship between breastfeeding and initial vegetable introduction and vegetable intake in early childhood (ages 13-60 months). This repeated cross-sectional study used data from the national WIC Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2 collected from low-income mother/caregivers about infants from around birth through age 5 (60 months; n = 3773). Survey-weighted adjusted regression models assessed associations between breastfeeding and vegetable introduction measures with vegetable consumption at child ages 13, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. Longer breastfeeding duration was associated with a slightly, but significantly, greater variety of vegetables consumed/day in early childhood. There was also a small but positive statistically significant association between the number of different types of vegetables consumed on a given day at 9 months and the amount and variety of vegetables consumed/day in early childhood. Age of initial vegetables introduction and whether vegetables were the first/second food introduced were not consistently related to the amount or variety of vegetables consumed later in childhood. Longer breastfeeding and introduction to a greater variety of vegetables at 9 months may be behaviors to target to increase consumption of a greater variety of vegetables by young children.

This study aims to determine the amount of lead exposure and investigate the health hazards linked to the consumption of leafy vegetables contaminated with lead and cadmium. It focuses on a specific case study conducted in the southern region of Northeast Thailand. Five types of leafy vegetables, including Chinese kale, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, and parsley, were collected from the Southern Northeast region of Thailand. The vegetable consumption of 3,831 individuals was calculated. The results showed that Chinese kale had the highest average lead contamination (0.009±0.015 mg/kg DW), followed by Chinese cabbage (0.005±0.01 mg/kg DW), cabbage (0.004±0.003 mg/kg DW), lettuce (0.003±0.003 mg/kg DW), and parsley (0.001±0.01 mg/kg DW), respectively. The evaluation results indicated that the margin of safety values for leafy vegetable consumption ranged between 4.49731E-05 and 0.04550, suggesting no major health risks. Based on geographical information, the lowest altitude was 95 m in the Warin Chamrap District of Ubon Ratchathani Province, while the highest was 450 m in the Pak Chong District of Chum Klat, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Therefore, people in the Southern Northeast region of Thailand should be encouraged to cultivate vegetables for their own consumption based on the season, and hydroponic systems should be utilized. It is important to assess and monitor the levels of heavy metals in the vegetables intended for consumptions and potential adverse effects on the environment and, consequently, human health. When choosing vegetables, it is advisable for consumers to exercise prudence and choose produce sourced from reputable cultivation facilities. Additionally, to prevent the accumulation of pollutants that could result in long-term health effects, it is prudent to vary their vegetable intake. The data obtained can be used in remediation techniques and to implement control measures for heavy metal contamination in vegetables.

During the last two decades several studies were developed to understand the attributes able to affect consumer vegetable choice over the world. Focusing on fresh and processed tomato product, this study proposes a systematic literature review to systematize and critically apprise the current body of knowledge in this research field. In order to discover suggestions useful to enhance market strategies and policies about vegetable intake, the discovered tomato attributes were categorized, according the Search Experience and Credence logic, into: price, product features, packaging, convenience, brand, sensory properties, sustainability, origin, safety and health, production processes. By synthesizing the review findings, a multi-dimensional integrative content framework was conceived with the aim to maps the extant literature with multiple levels of analysis: antecedent, phenomenon and consequences. As part of the review, a future research agenda, theoretical and practical implications were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetables play a vital role in human health. However, the average vegetable consumption among Chinese rural residents does not meet the minimum intake (300 g/adult person/day) recommended by the Chinese Dietary Guidelines. Homestead gardening—defined as growing vegetables or other food for home consumption, usually in the backyard of the household or on collectively allocated garden land—can play a significant role in promoting vegetable consumption in rural areas of developing countries. But empirical evidence on the effects of homestead gardening in China is scarce. This paper sheds new insights on the impacts of homestead gardening on rural households' vegetable consumption. We employ the three‐stage procedure instrumental variables methods to disentangle the endogeneity of the homestead garden variable and propensity score matching for robustness check. The results show that homestead gardening increases vegetable consumption by 12.7% on average. Further heterogeneous analysis shows that homestead gardening has a larger effect on those groups with vegetable intake levels in the middle of the distribution. The impact of homestead gardening was strongest for the consumption of dark‐colored vegetables. Our results can provide new perspectives for future rural planning, dietary and nutritional health transformation, and precision policy formulation. [EconLit Citations: Q1, D1, Q13]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetables are an essential component of a healthy dietary pattern in children; however, their consumption is often insufficient due to lack of preference. To address this, the influence of combining vegetables (mixed peas and carrots—MPACs) with potatoes, a generally liked food, on overall vegetable consumption among children aged 7–13 years was explored. The research involved a cross-over study design with 65 participants who completed five lunchtime meal conditions, each with different combinations of MPACs and potatoes versus a control (MPACs with a wheat roll). The meals were provided in a cafeteria setting, and plate waste was used to measure vegetable consumption. Anthropometric data and other variables were also measured. Notably, self-reported hunger did not significantly differ between conditions. Meal condition was a significant predictor of MPACs (F = 5.20; p = 0.0005), with MPAC consumption highest when combined with shaped potato faces in the same bowl (+8.77 g compared to serving MPACs and shaped potato faces in separate bowls) and lowest when combined with diced potatoes in the same bowl (−2.85 g compared to serving MPACs and diced potatoes in separate bowls). The overall model for MPAC consumption was influenced by age, height z-score, body fat percentage z-score, and condition (likelihood ratio = 49.1; p < 0.0001). Age had the strongest correlation with vegetable consumption (r = 0.38), followed by male gender, height z-score (r = 0.30), and body fat z-score (r = −0.15). The results highlight the positive impact of combining potatoes with vegetables in school meals, particularly when using shaped potato faces. These findings emphasize the potential of potatoes as a valuable vegetable option in promoting healthier eating habits among children. Additionally, future research could explore the impact of different potato combinations and investigate other factors influencing meal consumption in school settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to design a program for promoting fruit and vegetable consumption behaviors among preschool children based on a domestic social support framework, with the goal of increasing their fruit and vegetable intake. This quasi-experimental study involved a set sample of preschool children and their caregivers who were randomly selected based on specific inclusion criteria. The study included 96 pairs of preschool-aged children and their caregivers, divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received the program, while the control group continued with their regular activities. The program development drew inspiration from the caregiving practices in Muang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The assessment tools included a preschooler's eating behavior evaluation and a knowledge test for caregivers regarding children's fruit and vegetable consumption and the ways to enhance it. Furthermore, experts approved the fruit and vegetable eating behavior assessment among the preschoolers, and a handbook for nurses and primary caregivers affirmed their suitability within the caregiver support framework. The developmental findings suggested that a 10-week program was appropriate and showed a promise in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among the preschoolers. The findings, notably in the experimental group, demonstrate that caregivers should increase their knowledge of, and exhibit behavioral support in, fruit and vegetable consumption among preschoolers, and that this will eventually reflect a positive impact on preschoolers' dietary habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of vegetables may contribute to alleviating the double burden of malnutrition, which is widespread among adolescents. However, the link between specific nutrient intakes from vegetables and the body mass index (BMI) of in-school adolescents is not widely studied. This study determined the association between the nutrient intakes from the vegetables consumed and the BMI category of in-school adolescents in urban and rural areas in Davao City, Philippines. Self-reported vegetable consumption was collected from the respondents, and the corresponding nutrient intakes were calculated using the USDA food composition tables. The BMI of the participating adolescents was also measured. The results show that being underweight or overweight is generally associated with lower macronutrient and micronutrient intakes from the vegetables consumed, namely, bell pepper, bitter gourd, cabbage, carrot, chayote, Chinese cabbage, cucumber, eggplant, Malabar spinach, moringa, mung bean, okra, potato, sponge gourd, squash, string beans, sweet potato, sweet potato tops, taro, tomato, water spinach (P

Evidence about the association between vegetable consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) cluster among children and adolescents was inconsistent. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of CMRFs and CMRFs cluster, and to evaluate their associations with vegetable consumption. A total of 14,061 participants aged 6–19 years were recruited from 7 provinces of China. A standard physical examination, including height, weight and blood pressure, was conducted. Information regarding CMRFs was obtained through anthropometric measurements and blood sample testing, while weekly frequency and daily servings of vegetable consumption data collected by questionnaires. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the odds ratios (OR) for associations between CMRFs, CMRFs cluster and vegetable consumption. The prevalence of no CMRFs cluster among children and adolescents was 26.4%. Participants whose daily vegetable consumption was 0.75–1.5 and ≥1.5 servings showed a lower risk of high blood pressure (HBP), high total cholesterol (TC), high triglyceride (TG), and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared to those with daily vegetable consumption of <0.75 servings. Besides, higher average daily vegetable consumption was strongly associated with lower risks of CMRFs cluster. Stratified analyses showed that the protective effects of more vegetable intake on CMRFs cluster were profounder in boys and young adolescents. More vegetable intake was associated with lower risks of CMRFs cluster in Chinese children and adolescents aged 6–19 years, which further highlighted the significance of vegetable consumption to improve the cardiometabolic risk status. • Cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) were highly prevalent and could cluster among children and adolescents. • Higher vegetable consumption was negatively associated with the number of CMRFs cluster, especially in young adolescents. • Children and adolescents were advised to intake ≥ 3 days/week and ≥150 g/day of vegetable for CMRFs cluster prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-related school closures had a big impact on millions of children nationwide, many of whom rely on schools for healthy meals. An online survey of 3,297 fourth- and fifth-grade students in 67 California schools studied the dietary habits of schoolchildren during the pandemic. The results showed that students who ate one or two school meals a day had significantly higher intakes of vegetables, whole fruits, and 100% fruit juice, compared to students who did not eat school meals. Specifically, students who ate one school meal a day ate more beans and orange vegetables, while those who ate two school meals a day consumed a wider variety of vegetables, including beans and orange vegetables. However, children who ate one school meal a day drank more fruit drinks and flavored milks than those who did not eat school meals. Further, students who ate two school meals consumed more fruit drinks, flavored milks, and sports and energy drinks than those who did not eat school meals. Our findings suggest that, while school meals were an important source of fruits and vegetables during the pandemic, more needs to be done to reduce consumption of sugary drinks.

Research on the relationship between vegetable consumption and stroke among the Chinese population is still rare. This study aimed to explore the association between vegetable consumption and stroke. Using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1991–2018), we included 15,145 participants over 40 years old without stroke as the baseline. Participants were categorized into five groups according to vegetable consumption. The adjusted HRs of stroke associated with vegetable consumption were calculated using the COX proportional hazards model. During the follow-up, 504 stroke cases were detected (303 men and 201 women). For the females, compared with the Q1 group of vegetable consumption, the multivariable-adjusted HRs for stroke were 0.60 (95%CI 0.36, 1.00) in the group of Q4. No significant associations between vegetable consumption and stroke were found among males. Furthermore, compared with the Q1 group of dark vegetable consumption, for the whole subjects, the multivariable-adjusted HRs for stroke were 0.68 (95%CI 0.50, 0.92) in the group of Q4. For the females, compared with the Q1 group of dark vegetable consumption, the multivariable-adjusted HRs for stroke were 0.49 (95%CI 0.30, 0.80) in the group of Q4. In conclusion, this study suggested that vegetable consumption decreases the risk of stroke among Chinese females. In addition, the intake of dark vegetables was inversely associated with stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the key importance of vegetable consumption is to obtain sufficient micronutrients, dietary fibre, and for the prevention of childhood obesity. Most Malaysian children did not meet the recommended intake of vegetable consumption, and this is especially vulnerable among the urban poor population due to food insecurity. Efforts are needed to promote vegetable consumption that fall short of the recommended intake level. Aim: This trial aims to examine the effectiveness of the "GrowEat" project, as a nutrition intervention programme integrated with home gardening activities to improve vegetable consumption among urban poor children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: This is a single-blinded parallel two-arm cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) that include 134 children. Two zones in Kuala Lumpur will be randomly selected, and three low-cost housing flats from each zone will be selected as the intervention and control groups respectively. The trial is designed based on the social cognitive theory (SCT). Children from the intervention group (n = 67) will attend a 12-week programme, which consists of home garden-based activities, gardening and nutrition education session. Assessment will be conducted for both groups at three time points: baseline, post-intervention and follow-up phase at 3 months after the intervention. Conclusion: We anticipate positive changes in vegetable consumption and its related factors after the implementation of the "GrowEat" project. The current intervention may also serve as a model and can be extended to other urban poor population for similar interventions in the future to improve vegetable consumption, agriculture and nutrition awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the association between vegetable consumption, in total as well as per type/category, and 10‐year type‐2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) incidence. Methods: The ATTICA study was conducted during 2001–2012 in 3042 apparently healthy adults living in Athens area, Greece. A detailed biochemical, clinical, and lifestyle evaluation was performed; vegetable consumption (total, per type) was evaluated through a validated semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire. After excluding those with no complete information of diabetes status or those lost at the 10‐year follow‐up, data from 1485 participants were used for the current analysis. Results: After adjusting for several participants' characteristics, including overall dietary habits, it was observed that participants consuming at least 4 servings/day of vegetables had a 0.42‐times lower risk of developing T2DM (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.29–0.61); the benefits of consumption were greater in women (HR = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.16–0.53) compared to men (HR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.34–0.92). Only 33% of the sample consumed vegetables 4 servings/day. The most significant associations were observed for allium vegetables in women and for red/orange/yellow vegetables, as well as for legumes in men. Conclusions: The intake of at least 4 servings/day of vegetables was associated with a considerably reduced risk of T2DM, independently of other dietary habits; underlying the need for further elaboration of current dietary recommendations at the population level. Highlights: Intake of ≥ 400 g day–1 of vegetables was associated with a reduced risk of T2DM In women, the most significant associations were observed for allium vegetables In men, the most significant associations were for red/orange/yellow vegetables Increment by 100 g day–1 was associated with a 14% lower risk in women Increment by 100 g day–1 was associated with a 5% lower risk in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In theory, Motivational Interviewing (MI) fidelity should be associated with client outcomes. Nevertheless, this fidelity-effectiveness association is rarely investigated. This study evaluated the extent to which Telephone Motivational Interviewing (TMI) fidelity is associated with change in self-reported physical activity (PA), fruit intake, and vegetable consumption. Method: Adults in primary care (45–70 years) participated in a study that compared the effect of tailor print communication, telephone motivational interviewing (TMI), and a combination of the two on PA, fruit intake, and vegetable consumption. MI fidelity was assessed using the behavioral coding method "Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity Code (MITI)" in 409 randomly selected audio-recorded sessions, representing 232 participants of the TMI group. The associations between MI fidelity scores and the behavioral changes from baseline to 47-week follow-up were examined using backward multiple linear regression analyses (adjusted for covariates). Results: A significant and positive association between the percentage of MI adherent responses and improvements in PA and fruit consumption was found with respectively a small and medium effect size. The global rating "Spirit" (which resembles an all-at-once appraisal of the interviewer's MI competence) was significantly, but inversely associated with progress in vegetable intake with a medium effect size. Conclusion: The finding that relatively lower MI competency was associated with higher vegetable consumption went against our expectations. Findings suggest that practicing MI-consistent skills was beneficial in promoting PA and fruit consumption, but moderated vegetable intake. This study contributes to the scientific confidence that TMI enables change in PA and fruit intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Studied effects of health info and nudges on vegetable purchases using receipts from 942 households over 4 months. • While general health information didn't significantly increase vegetable purchases, it decreased meat purchases. • Personalized nudges showing relative vegetable purchase status increased buying volume, especially in households with children. • Personalized nudges could enhance policies promoting sustainable, healthy food choices alongside traditional mass promotions. This study explores the impact of providing general health-related information and personalized nudges aimed at modifying cognitive biases on enhancing vegetable purchases and consumption. We conducted a four-month natural field experiment and analyzed daily purchase records of 942 households using receipt scanner data. While merely explaining the loss-framed health benefits of vegetables did not significantly alter the overall vegetable purchasing habits, we observed a notable decrease in meat purchases, attributing this to the indirect effects of vegetable information. Additionally, when the status of relative vegetable purchases amount was provided based on personal purchase histories, individuals who initially purchased more vegetables demonstrated an increased buying volume. This effect was more pronounced in households with children than in those without. The nudging interventions had long-term effects beyond the experiment's duration, possibly driven by an altruistic concern for children's health within the household. Therefore, while nudges alone are not a complete solution, their ability to effect long-term changes in household purchasing patterns suggests that they can be a valuable addition to policy tools promoting sustainable and healthy food choices, as well as traditional mass-targeted promotion strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypertension is one of silent killer that become priority on health coverage era. Early detection and risk factors related must be conduct for effective prevention. Methods: This research aimed to detected earlier hypertension case in adult and elderly people in Mulyorejo Public Health Center (PHC), Surabaya, Indonesia. Survey was conduct from 12th to 19th November with the target adult and elderly that were visited PHC. Structured questionnary were used as a screening instrument, and examination using digital tensimeter were used as gold standard. Family history, smoking, physical activity, vegetable consumption, and fruit consumption were recorded as independent variable. Data were analyzed using chi-square test. Accidental sampling and total 0f 100 participants were joined this research, and 10% of them classified as hypertension based on examination using tensimeter, whereas 16% participants classified as hypertension based on structured questionnaire. Result: Validity was counted, and sensitivity showed 70%, spesifity was 87.78%, positive predictive value was 38.8%, negative predictive value was 96.34%. There’s no significant relationship between the independent variables family history (p=0.48 ; OR=1.64 ; 95% CI= 0.42

Research background: Vegetables are important sources of nutrition to many households. Understanding the household demand system of leafy African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) in Kenya could enhance designing strategies to increase their consumption levels. Purpose of the article: The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of demographic variables on budget shares for commonly consumed leafy vegetables and to generate vegetable demand elasticities. Methods: A stratified multi-stage sampling approach selected 168 and 282 respondents in rural and urban areas, respectively. The study used primary data, and a Linear Approximate Almost Ideal Demand System was estimated using the Seemingly Unrelated Regression method. Findings, value & novelty: Own-price elasticities indicated that leafy AIV crops are normal goods. Cross-price elasticities indicated leafy AIVs are more complementary to each other and can be substituted for the consumption of exotic vegetables. The price effect could substantially contribute to changes in demand than would income. Vegetable demand could still increase with a future increase in household income. Expenditure elasticities classified cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) and spider plant (Cleome gynandra L.) as necessary vegetables. Results can be used to develop strategies for increasing demand for leafy AIV crops, thus enhancing consumption of healthy diets.

Although regular intake of fruits and vegetables has an essential role in a healthy diet and well-being, a majority of consumers in Serbia have a suboptimal intake of these groceries. To understand the main determinants of this unsatisfactory situation, the study tested an extended model of the theory of planned behavior intending to suggest necessary steps for improving fruits and vegetables daily intake. This theory, extended for the role of knowledge, was tested using structural equation modeling. Fit indices confirmed the utility of this extended model of the theory of planned behavior in explaining consumers' behavior as well as the mediating role of behavioral intentions. Serbia, as one of the central developing countries in the Balkans, was chosen to test the model with the possibility of applying it to other developing countries facing malnutrition. Data were collected in North Serbia, through an online survey (n=688). Despite consumers' high awareness of fruits and vegetables' beneficial health effects, the influence of consumers' knowledge only is not sufficient to trigger behavioral changes. Consumers' intentions and behavior should be influenced indirectly, by changing their attitudes and subjective norms. All custom-made activities promoting a higher fruit and vegetable intake should consider the present findings to achieve a bigger effect on behavioral changes among consumers.

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is the prominent public health issue. Pharmacotherapy and diet modification should be integrated into T2DM management.Aims: To investigate the effects of vegetables consumption before carbohydrates on blood glucose and GLP‑1 levels in T2DM patients. Methods: A non‑randomized quasi experimental study was conducted to recruit T2DM patients who attended at the Gatot Soebroto Central Army Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia from April to May 2016. The Lemeshow’s formula was used to determine sample size. A total of 12 non‑diabetic and 24 diabetic patients were participated in our study. Glucose levels were measured using a routine hexokinase method while serum GLP‑1 levels were determined using the ELISA. The student t‑test was used to compare two groups with parametric data. The significant difference was at P < 0.05. Results: Our data showed that T2DM patients who consumed vegetables before carbohydrates, had relatively stable glucose levels at 0, 60 and 120 mins (164.25 ± 86.89 vs 183.5 ± 55.96 vs 167.83 ± 65.53, P = 0.163) and stay lowered within the normal range compared to T2DM patients who consumed vegetables after carbohydrates (165.08 ± 67.89 vs 241.92 ± 68.03 vs 204.92 ± 81.76, P = 0.022). Additionally, GLP‑1 levels remained stable after 60 and 120 min at day 1 (P = 0.816) and day 3 (P = 0.955). Conclusions: Vegetables consumption before carbohydrate is a promising and simple method of diabetes diet for maintaining blood glucose and GLP‑1 levels and preventing from vascular complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health benefits of diets rich in fruits and vegetables (FV) are well established. Recent observational and intervention research suggests that FV consumption may also exert a positive effect on psychological well-being. This study aimed to assess changes in mean Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) scores in response to consuming 2010-2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommended types and amounts of vegetables. It was hypothesized that increased vegetable consumption would increase mean SHS scores. This study investigated a secondary outcome of a randomized, parallel, nonblinded controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio to a provided vegetable intervention or attention control group. Men and women (n = 75) aged 18 to 65 years, body mass index ≥ 25, with low habitual vegetable consumption were recruited from Grand Forks, North Dakota, December 2016 to January 2018, for this community-based study. The vegetable intervention consisted of an 8-week feeding phase during which participants were provided with vegetables in DGA-recommended types and amounts. The attention control group was not provided vegetables but completed the same testing schedule as the vegetable intervention group. Mean SHS scores were assessed before and after the intervention. Mean SHS scores were analyzed using a 2-way factorial mixed linear model analysis of variance. A significant interaction between treatment and visit (P =.015) revealed greater mean SHS scores at week 8 than at baseline in the vegetable intervention group (+0.23 ± 0.11) (mean difference ± SE of the difference) but no change in the attention control group (−0.15 ± 0.11). Greater mean SHS scores were observed after increasing vegetable consumption to meet DGA recommendations, suggesting that adhering to DGA vegetable guidance may help promote psychological well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Low vegetable intake is one of the key dietary risk factors known to be associated with a range of health problems, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer, and diabetes and kidney diseases (DKDs). Using data from Japan’s National Health and Nutrition Surveys and the Global Burden of Diseases study in 2017, this study aimed to forecast the impact of change in vegetable intake on disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) between 2017 and 2040 for three diseases. Methods We generated a three-component model of cause-specific DALYs, including changes in major behavioural and metabolic risk predictors, the socio-demographic index and an autoregressive integrated moving average model to project future DALY rates for 2017–2040 using the data between 1990 and 2016. Data on Vegetable consumption and risk predictors, and DALY rate were obtained from Japan’s National Health and Nutrition Surveys and the Global Burden of Diseases Study in 2017. We also modelled three scenarios of better, moderate and worse cases to evaluate the impact of change in vegetable consumption on the DALY rates for three diseases (CVDs, cancer, and DKDs). Results Projected mean vegetable intake in the total population showed a decreasing trend through 2040 to 237.7 g/day. A significant difference between the reference scenario and the better case scenario was observed with un-overlapped 95% prediction intervals of DALY rates in females aged 20–49 years (− 8.0%) for CVDs, the total population for cancer (− 5.6%), and in males (− 8.2%) and females (− 13.7%) for DKDs. Conclusions Our analysis indicates that increased vegetable consumption would have a significant reduction in the burdens of CVDs, cancer and DKDs in Japan. By estimating the disease burden attributable to low vegetable intake under different scenarios of future vegetable consumption, our study can inform the design of targeted interventions for public health challenges.

Elucidating the absorption and translocation of heavy metal(loid)s by common vegetables across different growth environments and stages is crucial for conducting accurate environmental risk assessments and for associated control. This study investigated temporal variations in the absorption and translocation capacities of pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in polluted soils during the plant growth cycle under greenhouse and open-field cultivation modes. Results showed high root metal(loid) bioconcentration factors and root-to-shoot translocation factors for Cd (0.25 and 1.44, respectively) and Zn (0.26 and 1.01), but low values for As (0.06 and 0.88) and Pb (0.06 and 0.87). The Cd concentration in the aerial edible parts peaked during the early slow growth period, whereas other heavy metal(loid)s peaked during the later stable maturity period. Root bioconcentration and root-to-shoot translocation factors did not significantly differ between cultivation modes. However, greenhouse cultivation exhibited lower average Cd and Zn concentrations in the edible parts and cumulative uptake amounts of most metal(loid)s than open-field cultivation during the typical harvest period spanning days 60 and 90. Short-term transitioning from open-field to greenhouse cultivation may reduce health risks associated with heavy metal(loid) intake via pak choi consumption. These findings facilitate sustainable agricultural practices and food safety management. [Display omitted] • Cd concentration in the edible parts of pak choi peaked during the slow growth period. • Other metal(loid)s primarily reached highest levels during the stable maturity period. • Bioconcentration factors and translocation factors: Cd and Zn > As and Pb. • Greenhouse cultivation reduced cumulative uptake of metal(loid)s in mature pak choi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether the 'Read for Nutrition' programme would increase liking and consumption of broccoli (a target vegetable) in preschool children and test acceptability and practicality of the programme. Design: Pilot pre-post intervention study, where childcare teachers received training and coaching followed by reading the book 'Monsters Don't Eat Broccoli' multiple times with the children during a three-week intervention. Setting: Five classrooms of Educare, Lincoln, Nebraska in 2018. Participants: Sixty-nine (11 to 16 children per classroom) preschool-aged children and sixteen teachers (minimum, three per classroom). Results: Average total consumption of broccoli increased 35 % (0·14 ounces or 0·05th cup) after the 'Read for Nutrition' programme (t = 2·66; P = 0·01; 95 % CIs (0·035, 0·246)) for all children. Proportional consumption increased for children who received ≥ five exposures to the book (t46 = 2·77; P = 0·008). Exposures to the book predicted proportional consumption (β = 0·365; P = 0·002). Liking of broccoli increased (W69 = 2·2, P = 0·03) as well. Teachers rated the programme as acceptable, practical and enjoyable to children and to themselves. Conclusions: Programmes such as 'Read for Nutrition' have the potential to improve children's vegetable liking and consumption in early care and education settings with only book readings and no exposure to a real vegetable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical activity and nutrition behaviors are important to reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity. Previous research has identified school-based interventions as effective strategies to improve physical activity and nutrition. However, the results are often mixed, and middle schoolers are an under-studied population. Objective: Our study aims to fill this gap by developing an after-school intervention to increase physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption that is influenced by national guidelines and formative research. Methods: This study was an after-school, quasi-experimental study spanning 9 months. Enrollment began in September 2021 and continued on a rolling basis through February 2022. Weekly, middle schoolers were offered 2-3 physical activity sessions and 1 produce kit. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers and questionnaires. Nutrition behaviors were assessed using questionnaires, and physical literacy was assessed using researcher observations. Follow-up data collection occurred in December 2021 and in April 2022. Difference scores will be calculated and analyzed for each outcome variable. Results: The intervention started in September 2021 and will conclude in May 2022. Published study results are expected in late 2022. Conclusions: An increase in physical literacy, physical activity, and fruit and vegetable consumption is expected. If successful, future studies will focus on reach and sustainability. Lastly, this study may serve as a model for improving health outcomes in middle schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of vegetables is low among preschoolers and does not meet WHO recommendations. We conducted a systematic review of home-based interventions aimed at increasing vegetable consumption and liking among preschoolers. The main aim was to synthesize existing studies and to identify relevant features of successful interventions, especially looking at those with long-lasting effects. A comprehensive search strategy was performed using Psychinfo, PsychArticles, Psyndex, Medline and ERIC databases. Articles published until February 2020, regarding evaluation of vegetable intake and/or liking following an intervention, were included. Fourteen articles were selected, encompassing seven intervention strategies: familiarization with vegetable, tasting of the vegetable, intake of the vegetable, reward, information to parents about healthy eating, how-to-do tips to parents to improve healthy eating, intervention tailored to the characteristics of the family. Successful interventions on vegetable intake did not present systematic similarities in terms of type of intervention, but were characterized by an intense intervention (high frequency/length ratio). Successful interventions on vegetable liking mainly included a small reward. Interestingly, the few studies including a long-term follow-up found persistent positive effects. Despite interesting and promising outcomes, the present review highlighted a number of methodological issues that limited the generalisability of findings. Such limitations are discussed, together with outlets for future directions concerning this research topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Asthma is among the most common diseases affecting more than 300 million people globally overall. Despite growing understanding of the association between the environmental and food intake markers and the etiology and progression of asthma, there is still unmet knowledge gap which requires further investigations to be done in a spatial and temporal manner. We carried out such a study to explore the association of air-quality markers, fruit and vegetable consumption and drinking water source trajectories with asthma death rate in spatial models. Material and Methods: Province-level data on asthma deaths, air-quality markers, namely, particular matter 10 and 2.5, sulfur-dioxide, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen-dioxide, and ozone, drinking water source data from rivers, dams, wells, and springs as well as fruits and vegetables sales data were obtained for 81 provinces of Turkey for years 2018 and 2019. Mixed modelling approach taking into consideration the spatial autocorrelation was used to investigate the associations of these environmental and food consumption variables with asthma deaths. Results: These models revealed decreased asthma deaths with increased consumption of apple, banana, cabbage, lemon, onion, pineapple, spinach and zucchini, and increased asthma deaths with increased CO concentration and increased broad bean consumption. Conclusion: As a conclusion, we showed that spatial and temporal analyses have premise to offer much needed information to help close the knowledge gap in understanding the association of environmental and food intake markers with asthma deaths in granular spatial models. We have also showed that such efforts are possible by extracting publicly available data as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe associations between adolescents' frequency of vegetable consumption, food parenting practices and socioemotional family characteristics, and to explore potential mediated relationships that may contribute to an understanding of the family processes involved.Design: Cross-sectional survey among adolescents aged 13-15 years.Setting: A survey questionnaire including self-report measures on adolescents' frequency of vegetable consumption, perceived food parenting practices (i.e. family dinner frequency, maternal/paternal healthy eating guidance (HEG), maternal/paternal social support for vegetable consumption) and socioemotional family characteristics (i.e. general family functioning and level of cohesion and conflict within the family) was distributed in a convenience sample of secondary school students.Participants: Four hundred forty students from five secondary schools in eastern Norway completed the questionnaire.Results: Results from multiple linear regression analysis revealed positive and statistically significant associations between adolescents' frequency of vegetable consumption, maternal HEG and family cohesion. A partial indirect (mediated) association between family cohesion and adolescents' frequency of vegetable consumption, working through maternal HEG, was also found.Conclusions: Results from the present study suggest that perceived family cohesion may influence adolescents' frequency of vegetable consumption both directly and indirectly. However, there is a need for continued investigation of family-related factors influencing adolescent eating. In particular, the role of socioemotional family characteristics should be further scrutinised in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of fruit and vegetable (FV) intake among adolescents in the "2015 Laos Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)". The study sample consisted of 3,683 school adolescents with a median age of 16 years from Laos that responded to the 2015 cross-sectional GSHS. The prevalence of inadequate fruit consumption (<2/day) was 74.0%, inadequate vegetable consumption (<3/day) 78.5%, and inadequate FV consumption (<5/day) 83.7%. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, physical inactivity (adjusted odds ratio = AOR: 1.43, 95% confidence interval=CI, 1.061.93) was positively, and being overweight or obese (AOR: 0.65; 95% CI, 0.450.95), soft drink consumption (AOR: 0.55; 95% CI, 0.440.69), fast food consumption (AOR: 0.59; 95% CI, 0.470.74), and peer support (AOR: 0.69; 95% CI, 0.540.88) were negatively associated with inadequate FV consumption. A high proportion of inadequate FV consumption was found and strategies to increase FV consumption in this population may take into account sociodemographic, lifestyle, peer and parental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable consumption remains consistently low despite supportive policy and investments across the world. Vegetables are available in great variety, ranging in their processing level, availability, cost, and arguably, nutritional value. A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted in Quebec, Canada to explore pathways of socioeconomic inequity in vegetable expenditure. Data was obtained for consumers who participated in a grocery loyalty program from 2015 to 2017 and linked to the 2016 Canadian census. Vegetable expenditure share (%) was examined as a fraction of the overall food basket and segmented by processing level. Panel random effects and tobit models were used overall and to estimate the stratified analysis by median income split. Consumers allocated 8.35% of their total food expenditure to vegetables, which was mostly allocated to non-processed fresh (6.88%). Vegetable expenditure share was the highest in early winter and lowest in late summer. In the stratified analysis, the low-income group exhibited less seasonal variation, allocated less to fresh vegetables, and spent more on canned and frozen compared to the high-income group. Measures of socioeconomic status were all significant drivers of overall vegetable consumption. Consumers with high post-secondary education in the low-income group spent 2% more on vegetables than those with low education. The complexity of observed expenditure patterns points to a need for more specific vegetable consumption guidelines that include provisions by processing level. Implications for education, marketing, intersectional policies, and the role of government are discussed. Governments can scale present efforts and catalyze health-promoting investments across local, state, national, and global food systems.

Vegetables are an important source for the essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for optimal health. This research investigated changes in vegetable intake over time in the Korean population from 1998 to 2017, focusing on preparation methods of vegetables and location of consumption. This cross-sectional study is based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) that was established in 1998 to assess the health and nutritional status of the South Korean population. This research utilised information from 1998 to 2017 which is the extent of all available KNHANES data. Vegetable consumption was grouped, according to preparation methods and common eating locations. Both crude and age-standardised means of vegetable intake were derived via a 24-h dietary recall. All participants who completed a 24-h dietary recall survey were selected for the analyses. This included 109 220 individuals (49 069 men and 60 151 women) over the course of 20 years of the KNHANES. Total vegetable intake decreased over time (Pfor trends < 0·001), specifically, steamed and salted vegetables (Pfor trends < 0·001). In contrast, Koreans consumed noticeably more raw vegetables from 1998 to 2017 (Pfor trends < 0·001). Vegetable intake at home significantly declined (Pfor trends < 0·001), while that eaten at restaurants or outside the home increased greatly (Pfor trends < 0·001). Over 20 years, Koreans have ingested decreasing amounts of vegetables, but the intake of raw vegetables has escalated. However, the location of vegetable consumption has changed, with an increase at both restaurants and outside the home (approximately 70·0 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that increasing dietary nitrate intake may be an effective approach to improve cardiovascular health. However, the effects of a prolonged elevation of nitrate intake through an increase in vegetable consumption are understudied.Objective: Our primary aim was to determine the impact of 12 wk of increased daily consumption of nitrate-rich vegetables or nitrate supplementation on blood pressure (BP) in (pre)hypertensive middle-aged and older adults.Methods: In a 12-wk randomized, controlled study (Nijmegen, The Netherlands), 77 (pre)hypertensive participants (BP: 144 ± 13/87 ± 7 mmHg, age: 65 ± 10 y) either received an intervention with personalized monitoring and feedback aiming to consume ∼250-300 g nitrate-rich vegetables/d (∼350-400 mg nitrate/d; n = 25), beetroot juice supplementation (400 mg nitrate/d; n = 26), or no intervention (control; n = 26). Before and after intervention, 24-h ambulatory BP was measured. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA (time × treatment), followed by within-group (paired t-test) and between-group analyses (1-factor ANOVA) where appropriate.Results: The 24-h systolic BP (SBP) (primary outcome) changed significantly (P-interaction time × treatment = 0.017) with an increase in the control group (131 ± 8 compared with 135 ± 10 mmHg; P = 0.036); a strong tendency for a decline in the nitrate-rich vegetable group (129 ± 10 compared with 126 ± 9 mmHg; P = 0.051) which was different from control (P = 0.020); but no change in the beetroot juice group (133 ± 11 compared with 132 ± 12 mmHg; P = 0.56). A significant time × treatment interaction was also found for daytime SBP (secondary outcome, P = 0.011), with a significant decline in the nitrate-rich vegetable group (134 ± 10 compared with 129 ± 9 mmHg; P = 0.006) which was different from control (P = 0.010); but no changes in the beetroot juice (138 ± 12 compared with 137 ± 14 mmHg; P = 0.41) and control group (136 ± 10 compared with 137 ± 11 mmHg; P = 0.08). Diastolic BP (secondary outcome) did not change in any of the groups.Conclusions: A prolonged dietary intervention focusing on high-nitrate vegetable intake is an effective strategy to lower SBP in (pre)hypertensive middle-aged and older adults. This trial was registered at www.trialregister.nl as NL7814. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]