Fruit and vegetable consumption 2008

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Fruit and vegetables are an important source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables may reduce the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer.

The data used here are based on a survey question that measured the number of times respondents reported that they consumed fruit and vegetables, rather than the actual quantity consumed.

In 2008, 43.7% of Canadians aged 12 or older reported that they consumed fruit and vegetables five or more times per day, up from 37.6% in 2001.

Throughout that period, women were more likely than men to consume fruits and vegetables five or more times daily.

Chart 1

Description

In 2008, about half of women in all age groups reported that they ate fruit and vegetables five or more times daily.

Among men, boys and youths aged 12 to 19 had the highest rate (47.6%) of consuming fruit and vegetables five or more times a day. Senior men consumed fruit and vegetables less frequently (40.3%) than did 12- to 19-year-olds, but more frequently than did men aged 20 to 64.

Chart 2

Description

In Quebec, 53.2% of residents reported eating fruit and vegetables at least five times daily - the only province in which the rate was above the national level in 2008. Alberta and British Columbia were about the same as the national figure and all other provinces and territories were lower.

Chart 3

Description

There was no difference between urban and rural areas in 2008 in the consumption of fruit and vegetables five or more times daily.

Source

Additional information from the Canadian Community Health Survey is available from CANSIM table 105-0501.

References

Canadians' eating habits. Garriguet D. 2007; 18(2): 17-32.
Fruit and vegetable consumption. Pérez CE. 2002; 13(3): 23-31.