Fruit and vegetable consumption and waste in Australia - VicHealth

the greatest reduction in risk for stroke. Substances in fruits and vegetables that have
been identified as beneficial in preventing CVD are antioxidant vitamins, folate, and
various phytochemicals, in addition to fibre, magnesium and potassium (Devine et al., 2008).
Many of the studies associating CVD risk and fruit and vegetable consumption are
epidemiological in nature. However, there is strong biological evidence for the mechanism of
the various antioxidant and phytosterol components of fruit and vegetables in preventing
the build up of plaque in blood vessel walls. Antioxidants disable free radicals, which, if
left unabated, cause damage to the body’s tissues. Combining this epidemiological and
biological evidence leaves little doubt that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables promotes
cardiovascular health (Devine et al., 2008).
Diabetes
The term ‘diabetes’ refers to a set of diseases characterized by high blood glucose
levels, resulting from either insufficient or no release of the hormone insulin from the
pancreas. There are three types of the disease: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational. Type 2
diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from the body’s inability
to either produce enough insulin or properly utilize the insulin that is produced. This type
of diabetes is typically associated with obesity, poor nutrition, physical inactivity and
genetic predisposition and can be managed through dietary changes. Type 1 diabetes is
believed to be caused by biological interactions as well as exposure to some environmental
agents and gestational diabetes has the same risk factors as Type 2. Gestational
diabetes usually disappears after the birth of the child but is a marker of increased risk of
Type 2 diabetes later in life (Draper, Unwin, Serafino, Somerford, & Price, 2005).
Almost one million Australians now have diabetes and almost 100,000 more cases are
diagnosed each year (Draper et al., 2005). Diabetes can shorten life expectancy by up to
15 years. In 2004 in Australia, 11,735 deaths were attributed to diabetes and the disease
was listed as an underlying cause for 3,599 more deaths and an associated cause for an
additional 8,136 deaths (AIHW, 2006a). Direct costs from the disease to the Australian
health care system top $1.2 billion annually (Draper et al., 2005).
A search of the literature did not determine that a consensus exists on whether high intake
of fruit and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes. However,
the decreased risk of obesity associated with a diet high in fruit and vegetables is likely to
result in a reduced risk of the disease. Therefore, consumption of fruit and vegetables as
a component of a healthy diet can be considered important in reducing the risk of
developing Type 2 diabetes (Devine et al., 2008).
Other Conditions
Preliminary data suggests that relationships may exist between fruit and vegetables (or
their components) and a number of other health conditions, such as musculoskeletal
conditions and dental caries. Findings in these areas are not yet consistent; however, it
is likely that they will attract increased interest in the coming years (Devine et al., 2008).
Bone and skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis and arthritis are major contributors to
pain and disability for many Australians, particularly older adults (AIHW, 2006a).
Osteoporosis is a condition that results from porous bones caused by progressive
deterioration of bone tissue. This deterioration is generally gradual in nature and warning
signs are often not present until the skeleton is already very fragile. Arthritis is a group of
conditions which cause inflammation of the joints, accompanied by stiffness and pain
(Devine et al., 2008).
In 2000-2001 musculoskeletal conditions were ranked as the third leading cause of
health expenditure, costing the health system $4.7 billion. However, it is believed that
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