This information was presented by Associate Professor, Doctor Tran Thanh Duong, Director of the National Institute of Nutrition, at a conference on the role of plant-based nutrition in preventing non-communicable diseases on 26/6.

Doctor Duong highlighted a paradox: while fruits and vegetables are abundant, most people neglect this food group. Simultaneously, they consume an average of 8,1 g of salt daily, nearly double the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level. This imbalanced eating habit, combined with over 30% of adults being physically inactive, is causing an unfavorable shift in Vietnam's disease patterns.

Vegetables are displayed for sale at a supermarket. Photo: Nguyen Dong

Data from the National Institute of Nutrition indicates that non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes, account for 80% of total deaths nationwide, exceeding the global average of 74%.

Currently, approximately 12 million people across the country suffer from hypertension. The prevalence of diabetes in adults has reached 7%, and cancer remains the leading cause of death. The healthcare system faces immense treatment pressure from these diseases, as the nation confronts a dual burden: combating malnutrition in remote areas while controlling the rapid increase in overweight and obesity rates in urban centers.

Associate Professor, Doctor Truong Tuyet Mai, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Nutrition, stated that the paradox of abundant fruits and vegetables but insufficient consumption reflects a change in the structure of Vietnamese meals. Decades ago, traditional diets primarily revolved around grains, green vegetables, and fresh foods. However, urbanization, along with the proliferation of fast food, processed foods, and food delivery services, is altering these habits.

"We are eating more conveniently and faster, but not necessarily healthier", Doctor Mai remarked.

According to Doctor Mai, modern nutritional science no longer focuses solely on consuming enough nutrients but increasingly emphasizes food quality and its long-term impact on health. A balanced diet, rich in plant-based foods, helps control blood lipids and blood sugar, while also improving gut microbiota, thereby contributing to the management of chronic diseases.

Many studies show that a diet rich in plant foods significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. Consuming 400-800 g of fruits and vegetables daily can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 20-32%, while eating more whole grains helps lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by 30%. Legumes and nuts, such as soybeans, walnuts, almonds, and oats, are also highly valued for their rich fiber content and beneficial unsaturated fatty acids.

Experts also discussed the discovery of prebiotics in soybeans and oats – a research area currently attracting significant interest in modern nutrition. Prebiotics are compounds that are not digested in the stomach and small intestine but are fermented by gut microbiota in the large intestine, thereby supporting the nourishment of beneficial bacteria and improving gut health.

Beyond dietary adjustments, experts underscore that regular physical activity, limiting sugary drinks, processed foods, and reducing salt intake are crucial measures for preventing chronic diseases.

Associate Professor, Doctor Truong Tuyet Mai reports at the conference. Photo: Thu Nguyen

According to experts, the issue is not Vietnam's lack of fruit and vegetable supply, but rather how people choose their food daily. "We need to shift from a mindset of eating to satisfy hunger to eating for quality", Doctor Mai said.

To alleviate the burden of chronic diseases, people should increase their fruit and vegetable intake, limit salt, sugar, and processed foods, and maintain regular physical activity. According to professionals, small daily dietary changes can make a significant difference to long-term health.

Le Phuong