American adults eating healthier

The study found that more people are making better use of nutritional information, consuming fewer calories, especially those associated with fat and saturated fat, consuming less cholestrol and eating more fiber. The study is titled "Changes in Eating Patterns and Diet Quality Among Working-Age Adults, 2005-2010."

 

Slightly less than half of working-age adults are using the Nutrition Facts Panel found on the back of most packaged food items while 57 percent of older adults said they usually make use of the panel. When asked if they would make use of the panel were it available in restaurants, 76 percent of adults replied that they would.

 

The results also revealed that less people are eating out and more are concerning themselves with nutrition, not price, at the grocery store. This likely means an uptick in produce purchases.

 

Data for the study was collected using the "National Health and Nutrition Examination" survey. The USDA published the results and noted their efforts to increase nutritional awareness.  The department's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food program has worked to increase access to nutritious foods. In four years, the number of farmer's markets increased by 67 percent, and there are more than 220 regional food hubs in operation.

 

For more information visit the USDA website.