Does an apple a day really keep the doctor away? Unfortunately, it probably does not. But there can be no denying the important role that healthy living and a well-balanced diet play in maintaining an on-going state of good health.
The Australian Government has released dietary daily guidelines for food types for the average person which list as follows:
- Men (19-60 years): Cereals 6 to 12 serves, Vegetables 5 serves, Fruit 2 serves, Dairy 2 serves, Lean Meat 1 serve.
- Women (19-60 years): Cereals 4 to 9 serves, Vegetables 5 serves, Fruit 2 serves, Dairy 2 serves, Lean Meats 1 serve.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has undertaken comprehensive research into the nutritional habits of Australian’s and it makes for interesting reading. Some of their findings include:
Over a typical day an average Australian consumes approximately 3.1 kilograms of food and beverages.
Of the food consumed, 97% of people had consumed a type of cereal food, 85% had consumed dairy and 69% had consumed some type of meat dish. 75% of people had consumed vegetables while 60% had consumed some type of fruit.
Conversely, dairy, gluten, shellfish and peanuts were the top four specific food types that were avoided.
Of the beverages consumed, 87% of people reported that they had consumed water that day, with 46% nominating coffee, 38% nominating tea, 29% nominating soft drinks and flavoured mineral waters and 25% nominating alcoholic beverages.
Also of interest, 29% of people reported that they had taken a dietary supplement that day, while 13% of the population (aged over 15) consider themselves to be on some kind of diet.
Additional research conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics into the level of vitamins and minerals found in the average Australian yielded the following results:
- The average Australian has sufficient levels of iodine in their system.
- Women of childbearing age had sufficient levels of folate and Vitamin B12 in their system.
- 23% of Australian adults have some level of Vitamin D deficiency.
If you have any dietary concerns for yourself or your family you can seek advice from your local doctor.