Introduction: Fruits are considered important in dietary guidance as they play key role in keeping every person fit and healthy. Fruits supply vitamins and minerals to the diet and also sources of phytochemicals that function as antioxidants, phytoestrogens and anti-inflammatory agents. They are rich in dietary fibers and potassium and help prevent constipation and cardiovascular diseases. Nutrient deficiency diseases like Scurvy and Anaemia can be prevented by adequate fruit consumption. Being rich in Calcium, they reduce the risk of osteoporosis. They also decrease the incidence of cancer, lipid disorders, obesity, respiratory disorders and problems of aging.

Objectives:

The study was carried to assess the pattern of fruit intake among the students and correlate various benefits of fruit consumption.

Methods: A cross-sectional study investigating fruit consumption among 331 students in Maharashtra. Validated questionnaire was given to assess pattern of fruit consumption. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software. Chi-square tests were used.

Results: The prevalence of fruit consumption was found to be 35.34% (n= 117). Of the 331 respondents, 21.75% (n= 72) consumed fruits for more than 3 days a week, 24.16% (n = 80) consumed less than 3 days a week and 40.48% (n = 134) took fruits occasionally. The concentration power, body mass index, prevention of flatulence was all found to be positively correlated to fruit consumption.

Conclusions: It is of paramount importance to promote fruit consumption among students and to increase awareness regarding health benefits of fruits. Detailed studies of factors that hinder fruit consumption are necessary