World’s biggest veggie lovers REVEALED: DailyMail.com’s interactive map

The countries that consume the most vegetables have been revealed — with the US and UK failing to make even the top 40.

Researchers found that China was the biggest vegetable fan overall, with the average citizen making their way through about a kilogram of vegetables a day — equivalent to four heads of broccoli.

For comparison, the US ranked 44th globally with residents consuming about 11oz of vegetables per day — or just over a head of broccoli. In the UK, people ate an average of 8oz.

That’s according to statistics compiled by the Oxford University-based OurWorldInData, based on United Nations data.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says adults should eat about two to three cups of vegetables per day and about two cups of fruit. 

Eating enough fruits and vegetables is linked to multiple health benefits including better digestion and a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. 

Out of the 181 countries with data, 128 — or 70 percent — consumed less than 9.5lbs of vegetables per day — or less than one head of broccoli.

Eleven out of the top 20 vegetable-consuming countries were in Asia, while another four were in Europe.

The US ranked 44th on the list. Only one in ten American adults get the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. Among children, only half get adequate amounts.

The CDC has raised the alarm over this trend, noting: ‘Young children need specific nutrients to support their optimal growth and development. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help provide these nutrients.

‘Limiting or reducing foods and beverages higher in added sugars, including sugar-sweetened beverages, is important because added sugars are associated with increased risk of obesity, dental caries, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.’

It is likely a similar situation in the UK, with people also opting for processed and sugary foods over fruits and vegetables.

In the UK, the Government has already brought in legislation that prevents unhealthy foods from being at the ends of supermarket aisles.

They are also under pressure to bring in rules that stop unhealthy products being put on a two-for-one deal or similar. 

At the other end of the scale, however, were mainly African nations — which face food insecurity due to climate change and local conflicts.

Chad was at the bottom of the list, with the average person consuming 215oz of vegetables per year. It was followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at 218.7oz annually, and Ethiopia at 462oz. 

All three have been wracked by conflict in recent years which has disrupted farms and uprooted many families.