Generally speaking, our diets designed to prevent heart disease have moderately improved during the past 20 years, but we’re still taking in too much sodium and not burning enough calories.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota said they found in their poll that people are eating more fruits, vegetables and grains, and consuming less saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and alcohol than in the 1980s.

The researchers pored over information from more than 11,000 people to see if they were following the dietary guidelines from the American Heart Association. They found good news - and bad news.

Despite healthier eating habits in some areas, the “areas of concern” were “unfavorable” high consumption of sodium and less fish, and a “continuous deterioration” in the overall energy balance – in other words, more calories in than what is being burned, according to the findings.

“Results suggest that efforts to improve diet for coronary heart disease prevention should include a focus on moderating energy and sodium intake while encouraging increased consumption of fish," the researchers write in February’s Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

Young adults and food choices

In the same Journal, doctors at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston said many young adults are making food choices based on socioeconomic, demographic and lifestyle factors, based on their study of 1,266 men and women 20 to 38.

The results showed:

•  People making more than $45,000 a year ate fewer burgers and sandwiches than those who made less.

•  Cereals, breads, dairy products, fruits, 100-percent fruit juices and vegetables were more popular with people with more than 12 years of education.

•  Married people ate more servings of snacks and desserts, but drank fewer alcoholic beverages.

•  Active individuals consumed more servings of fruits and 100-percent fruit juices and fewer servings of burgers and sandwiches.

•  African-American men and women consumed more servings of fruits and 100-percent fruit juices than whites.

•  White women consumed more servings of dairy products, vegetables and fats than African-American women.

Calcium concerns 

But another team of researchers said they’re concerned about the lower intakes of calcium, magnesium and phosphorous for African Americans than in people of other races. African Americans in all age groups don't meet the federal government's 2005 Dietary Guidelines' recommendation for three daily servings of low-fat or fat-free milk or other dairy products, researchers at the National Dairy Council said.

Milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products provide calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamins A, D and B12, said Dr. Greg Miller, head of the council’s science and research. The council represents the dairy industry. 

“In reviewing the science for this report, it was evident that African Americans are missing out on nutrients key to a well-balanced diet," Miller said.  "We hope this report will remind African Americans to consume nutrient-rich dairy foods every day as part of a healthy diet.

“In fact, studies show dairy intake improves overall diet quality; contributes to better bone health; and may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, hypertension, kidney stones, colon cancer and obesity."

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