While many people don’t eat fresh vegetables, this delicious type of food is an important part of our daily diet. Namely, as long as you consume the right amount of vegetables, you will find that they can help you stay fit and healthy.
This list of vegetable consumption statistics will help you understand why vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet. But first, let’s take a look at some of the most interesting statistics we cherry-picked from the article.
Top 10 Vegetable Consumption Statistics
- In 2018, the global vegetable market generated $1.25 trillion in revenue.
- Peas are the oldest vegetable in the world.
- Tomatoes are defined as fruits according to their botanical classification.
- It is possible to eat too many vegetables in a day.
- Broccoli contains more proteins than steak.
- It’s a myth that eating carrots can improve your eyesight.
- The US was the top vegetable importer in 2018 with 7.4 million tons.
- Turnip is the least popular vegetable in the US.
- The onion is the most-consumed vegetable in the US.
- China has the highest vegetable consumption per capita.
Global Vegetable Consumption Statistics
The tomato is the world’s most-produced vegetable.
(Statista)
A total of 182.3 million tons of tomatoes are produced each year, making it the most-eaten vegetable in the world, based on the total production volume. Moreover, China is the most significant producer of fresh vegetables, with $25.25 billion in production value.
2. China has the highest vegetable consumption per capita.
(HelgiLibrary)
Based on a comparison of 158 countries, China has the highest consumption of vegetables per capita (328 kg). The average global consumption of vegetables per capita reached 134 kg in 2013.
3. Chad has the lowest vegetable consumption per capita.
(HelgiLibrary)
With 7.80 kg, Chad has the lowest consumption of vegetables per capita. Other countries with low vegetable consumption include Nicaragua with 10.4 kg and Zimbabwe with 16.1 kg.
4. In 2018, the global vegetable market generated $1.25 trillion in revenue.
(GlobeNewsWire)
Furthermore, it created an income of $1,249.8 trillion in that year. The overall revenue generated by the industry was up 2.4% compared to 2017. These figures account for the overall revenue for both the producers of vegetables and importers, excluding costs for retail marketing, retailer margins, and logistics.
5. US vegetable production statistics show that America is the world’s largest importer of vegetables.
(Statista)
According to a report by M. Shahbandeh regarding global vegetable importers, the US was ranked as the first among the largest worldwide vegetable importers. The US had the highest average vegetable import value for 2011–2015, with approximately $3.4 billion worth of vegetables imported during that time. Germany was in second place, with $2.4 billion worth of vegetables imported in the same period.
US Vegetable Consumption Stats and Facts
6. The US was the top vegetable importer in 2018 with 7.4 million tons.
(GlobeNewsWire)
From 2007 to 2018, the most notable growth of vegetable imports was attained by the US, while other importers exhibited modest growth. In 2018 alone, the US imported 7.4 million tons of assorted vegetables from around the world. Germany came second with 3.8 million tons of vegetables imported in the same year.
7. The onion is the most-consumed vegetable in the US.
(Statista)
According to the statistics on vegetable consumption, onions are the most-consumed vegetable in the US. In 2018, the average American consumed around 20.39 pounds of onions. That makes them America’s favorite vegetable.
8. According to US vegetable consumption stats, only 2% of high school students consume enough vegetables.
(CDC)
According to a detailed study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, only 2% of high school students in the US meet the vegetable consumption levels recommended by health experts.
9. Turnip is the least popular vegetable in the US.
(Fox)
Although it’s not among the least healthy vegetables, turnip seems to be the least favored one. Namely, over 2,000 Americans were surveyed about their favorite and least favorite vegetables. 27% of the survey respondents said they dislike turnips, making it the least popular vegetable in the country. The second least liked vegetable was beetroot, with 26% saying they don’t like the vegetable.
Vegetable Nutrition Facts
10. Broccoli contains more proteins than steak.
(WholeFoods)
Research has shown that all plants contain high levels of protein content. However, not all of the plant protein is edible and physiologically usable. Broccoli, one of the least liked vegetables, happens to have more protein per calorie intake compared to steak.
11. Spinach is among the healthiest vegetables you can add to your diet.
(MedicalNewsToday)
The leafy green vegetable is a fantastic source of vitamins, calcium, iron, and antioxidants. A cup of spinach can fulfill an adult’s daily requirement for vitamin K and reduce blood pressure. These vegetables benefit our heart health as well.
12. It is possible to eat too many vegetables in a day.
(TheDailyMeal)
Exceeding the recommended vegetable intake is not immediately harmful to your health. However, keeping up with the consumption of too many vegetables as opposed to other parts of your diet can result in nutrient deficiencies. Your stomach can become so preoccupied with trying to process vegetables that it loses the capacity to absorb other nutrients.
13. Vegetables can help you lose weight.
(FoodNetwork)
One of many vegetables’ benefits is that they can help you lose weight. Eating the right amount of vegetables in a balanced diet while cutting down on unhealthy foods can help you lose weight. Some of the best vegetables to help you shed some weight in a healthy way are broccoli, spinach, spaghetti squash, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes.
14. Peas are the most caloric vegetables for weight gain.
(BusinessStandard)
One of the crucial vegetable nutrition facts is that peas contain 67 calories per 100 grams; they have 7% sugar content and have high protein levels at 5.8%.
Peas also consist of a high level of micronutrients, they are rich in beta-carotene, vitamins C and K, and include various minerals, like calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, and potassium.
These calories can be helpful for healthy weight gain if you make peas a part of your diet.
Interesting Vegetable Consumption Statistics and Facts
15. Tomatoes are defined as fruits according to their botanical classification.
(HealthLine)
People use tomatoes as vegetables to prepare various types of food. However, according to the scientific classification, based on their botanical structure, tomatoes are a fruit.
16. Watermelon is not a fruit, regardless of the amount of sugar this vegetable has.
(NWPB)
For several years, people have debated whether watermelons are fruits or vegetables. Since watermelon is grown and harvested as a vegetable crop using vegetable production systems, it satisfies the definition of a vegetable.
17. Peas are the oldest vegetable in the world.
(Triviahive)
According to findings from Stone Age settlements dating back as far as 8,000 to 10,000 years ago, the oldest known vegetable is the pea.
Official vegetable production statistics show that humans have cultivated several types of vegetables over thousands of years, but peas are considered to be the oldest known cultivated vegetable in the world.
18. It’s a myth that eating carrots can improve your eyesight.
(HealthLine)
Carrots are among the most popular vegetables in the world. The highly nutritious vegetable is linked with improving eyesight. However, the common claim is actually a myth that originated during the Second World War, to intimidate German soldiers by telling them that British soldiers had better night vision because they eat a lot of carrots.
The reality was that British pilots had started using radar to target and shoot down enemy planes. The carrot myth was created to keep radar technology a secret.
The Crucial Vegetable Eating Benefits
19. Broccoli has properties that make it effective against certain types of cancer.
(HealthLine)
Observational studies on the consumption of cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, determined that it can reduce the risk of contracting several types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, pancreatic, gastric, and lung cancer.
20. Vegetable consumption can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
(Harvard)
There are several families of both fruits and vegetables that are rich in natural compounds that can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular issues in the human body. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower your blood pressure, mitigate the risk of heart disease, prevent some types of cancer, and keep the sugar level in check.
21. Eating cabbage helps reduce inflammation in the body.
(HealthLine)
Eating a healthy set of vegetable servings per day reduces the risks of inflammatory diseases. Chronic inflammation can be very harmful to your health. It can be associated with several diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage contain many antioxidants that can reduce the effects of chronic inflammation in the human body.
22. Potatoes are the best vegetable to eat to improve blood sugar levels.
(HealthLine)
Potatoes contain a special type of starch called resistant starch. The body does not fully break down the starch when it absorbs it. Therefore, the starch reaches the large intestine where it becomes a source of nutrients for the helpful bacteria in your digestive tract.
Starch is linked to several health benefits, including the reduction of insulin resistance. In turn, healthy consumption of potatoes can improve your body’s control of blood sugar levels.
23. Cucumbers improve hydration.
(HealthLine)
According to the vegetable consumption statistics, cucumbers are composed of 96% water and are especially effective at promoting hydration to meet your daily fluid intake needs.
Water is a crucial part of our body, making up most of our overall body weight. While we meet most of our intake requirements for fluids through drinking water, vegetables like cucumbers can also be an excellent source for keeping your body hydrated.
FAQs
What makes a vegetable a vegetable?
(HealthLine)
Technically speaking, a fruit develops from the flower of a plant while the other parts of a plant are referred to as vegetables. Fruits contain seeds, while vegetables typically consist of stems, roots, and leaves.
How many vegetables are needed daily?
(HealthLine)
Eating a substantial amount of vegetables is crucial to maintain good health. While most people may suggest that the more vegetables you eat, the better, it might not be the case. Most studies note that the greatest benefits of vegetables in a diet come from eating three to four portions of vegetables in a day.
What is the healthiest vegetable?
(HealthLine)
Spinach is considered to be the healthiest vegetable due to its high nutritional content. It is high in beta carotene, vitamins K, A, antioxidants, and lutein. It also helps reduce the risk of contracting cancers and chronic diseases. A 2015 study found that spinach consumption is linked with a lower risk of heart disease since it lowers blood pressure.
What percent of Americans eat vegetables?
(CDC)
According to American food consumption statistics, just one in 10 adults meet the recommendations for vegetable consumption. The government guidelines recommend that adults eat at least two to three cups of vegetables in a day. Only 9.3% of all American adults meet these requirements.
How to increase vegetable consumption?
(Portneuf)
You can use several strategies to increase your daily vegetable consumption. Some of the creative ways to do that include adding shredded zucchini or pureed pumpkin to your meals to increase moisture content and add nutrients.
Adding frozen vegetables to casseroles and soups can increase vegetable consumption, and adding purees of vegetables to various sauces can help you increase vegetable consumption without even noticing.
Conclusion
Vegetable consumption trends vary drastically around the world. However, increasing the intake of vegetables is a necessary step that people need to take to improve their overall health. Most Americans don’t meet their recommended daily intake.
However, we hope that these vegetable consumption statistics will help you understand that vegetables are one of the most important parts of your daily diet.
