S. K. Mathanghi ¹, G. Hemalatha ², S. Amutha ², S. Arulmozhiselvan ²

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Food Engg., College of Food & Dairy Technology, TANUVAS, Chennai - 600 052, IN
2 Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai - 625 104, IN

Abstract

The study examines the impact of fruit and vegetable intake of the subjects against various risk factors concerned for Cardio Vascular Diseases and it was conducted at Chennai, being a very good representative metropolitan with normo glucose tolerance subjects belonging to various income strata. A semi-validated food frequency questionnaire was used to measure the fruit and vegetable intake and macro and micronutrients consumption was calibrated using nutrition software. Surplus intake of energy (10.31% in males 27.59% in females), protein intake (33.11% in males and 46.76% in females) and deficit intake of β-carotene, ascorbic acid and folic acid were observed. Lesser intake of fruits and vegetables were associated with greater BMI (>25 kg/m²). The mean body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), hip and waist circumferences, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were negatively associated with increase in fruit and vegetable quartiles. Biochemical measurements such as serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride, HDL, LDL, VLDL, total cholesterol to HDL ratio and post-prandial blood sugar were significantly associated with fruit and vegetable intake.

Keywords

Fruits and Vegetables, Cardiovascular Diseases, Protective Effects.

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