EEUU: Potatoes and tomatoes account for more than half of U.S. vegetable consumption, report says
Americans are gobbling down a whole lot of potatoes and tomatoes — but often in the form of French fries and potato chips, and likewise, tomato sauce or ketchup, according to a recent report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
In 2013, 115.6 pounds per person of white potatoes were available for Americans to eat — a whopping two-thirds of which were consumed in the form of French fries, potato chips and other frozen or processed potato products, the report indicated.
White potatoes accounted for 30% of the 384.4 pounds per person of vegetables and legumes available to eat in 2013.
"White potatoes, although still a plant food, are one of the starchiest vegetables out there, which can be a problem for those with a history of Diabetes or high blood sugar," said Lisa Moskovitz, founder of The NY Nutrition Group.
"With 40 (grams) of carbs in one medium potato, it’s almost equivalent to eating three slices of plain white bread and that doesn’t factor in how the potato is prepared or what it’s served with either, since most people top their potatoes with sour cream, butter and cheese or deep fry them into French fries.”
As for tomatoes — widely recognized for its healthy source of vitamins and antioxidants — they accounted for 22% of the vegetable consumption, according to the report.
But Americans continue to tarnish an already-healthy product, the study showed.
A staggering 65.9 pounds per person of tomatoes were processed in a variety of unhealthy ways — including canned tomatoes, tomato sauces, ketchups, or were used as an ingredient in processed stews and soups.
"There is very little downside to eating large amounts of fresh tomatoes, however if eaten in processed forms such as ketchup, the added sugar can get pretty high," Moskovitz said in an email.
"For example, just 1 (tablespoon) of ketchup contains up to 4 (grams) of sugar and most people douse their food with about five times that amount."
Together, potatoes and tomatoes, accounted for more than half the U.S. vegetable consumption, according to the report.
The issue is not necessarily in the types of vegetables that are being consumed, but rather, the way they are being prepared, said Jeanine Bentley, the author of the report.
"Researchers found that instead of eating vegetables in their simple, unadorned state, Americans often eat vegetables prepared in ways that add calories and sodium and remove dietary fiber," she said.
Even though vegetable consumption is more varied than was seen 40 years ago, and Americans have somewhat diversified their palates since then, the population keeps coming back to the same fat- and sugar-laden produce, the report said.
As a result, consumers are being deprived of a variety of nutrients, Bentley added.
On the upside, fresh lettuce — which is far more difficult to douse in butter, sugar and salt — was the third most consumed at 25.5 pounds per person, according to the report.
But Moskovitz said she is not surprised that potatoes, tomatoes and lettuce nabbed the top spots, when taking into account the American predilection for greasy fast food.
"The findings are not totally shocking considering these are the three most common produce that you’ll find in a fast food meal," she said.
"After all, it is very unlikely that McDonald’s or Burger King are going to be including cabbage, beets or zucchini on their drive-through menu anytime soon."
Fuente: nydailynews
