Based on the food consumption survey conducted by DOST Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) in 2008, the average Filipino eat less vegetable. Results also showed that from 145 grams of vegetables per day in 1978, consumption decreased to 110 grams in 2008, a decline of 35 grams of vegetable consumption within the past 30 years.

Among the lowest consumers of vegetables are regions CALABARZON and ARMM with 92 grams consumption of vegetables per person in one day while CAR has the highest consumption with 169 grams.

Another reason for the lesser consumption of vegetables was revealed in an earlier study of FNRI in 2005. The results showed that Filipino considers the price of the vegetables, contamination from pesticides and the want of knowledge on the benefits derived from them.

With this prevailing decrease on vegetable consumption, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) celebrates Nutrition Month for 2012 with the theme “Pagkain ng gulay ay ugaliin, araw-araw itong ihain.” This year’s celebration aims to increase vegetable consumption as part of a healthy diet to address micronutrient deficiencies and non-communicable diseases; promote vegetable gardening as a source of additional food and income; and increase demand for vegetables to help local vegetable farmers.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), the recommended amount of vegetable and fruit intake is at the average of 400 grams each day. This serving may help prevent non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity, as well as prevent and alleviate several micronutrient deficiencies, especially in our country. (DOST IX Press Release)