What did Dr. Dawn Mussallem find about Americans' diets?

Dr. Mussallem found that 90% of Americans do not consume the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables.

How does eating fruits and vegetables affect cancer risk?

Consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables daily is linked to a 10% reduction in dying from cancer.

Why are Americans not eating enough fruits and vegetables?

Busy lifestyles and a lack of time are the primary reasons, not food insecurity, for insufficient fruit and vegetable intake.

Home / Health / 90% Americans Skip Crucial Cancer-Fighting Foods

90% Americans Skip Crucial Cancer-Fighting Foods

6 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Ninety percent of Americans do not consume enough fruits and vegetables.
Eating five servings of fruits/vegetables daily reduces cancer death risk.
Busy lifestyles, not food insecurity, drive poor dietary habits.

90% Americans Skip Crucial Cancer-Fighting Foods

A significant portion of the American population is falling short on essential nutrients, with an estimated 90 percent failing to meet recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. This concerning trend was highlighted by Dr. Dawn Mussallem, a physician at Mayo Clinic and a cancer survivor, during a recent podcast discussion.

Dr. Mussallem's research indicates a strong correlation between fruit and vegetable consumption and health outcomes. Studies revealed that individuals consuming five servings daily experienced a 10 percent reduction in cancer-related deaths, along with decreased risks of heart disease and respiratory illnesses, compared to those with fewer servings.

This widespread dietary shortfall is attributed not to food insecurity, but to the prevailing fast-paced lifestyles that prevent many from prioritizing these vital foods. Dr. Mussallem emphasizes that incorporating nutrient-rich foods acts as medicine, equipping the body with the tools it needs to heal and maintain wellness.