China's population levels are at their best in decades, this, according to the most comprehensive survey on nutrition and health, by the Chinese Center for Public Nutrition and Development.

More and more varieties of food are becoming available in the country's supermarkets. With more green food, organic food and tropical fruits on offer, people are becoming increasingly selective about what they eat.

Experts say the intake of energy and protein for the Chinese population has met basic requirements. At the same time, consumption of poultry and eggs have reached fairly high levels.

Prof. Yu Xiaodong, director of China Center for Public Nutrition & Development, said, "According to this survey, the nutritious quality of food has increased.

And it's also good to see that nutrition for the Chinese population has reached a transition period, as the proportion of protein is increasing, with our calories coming mainly come from meat, eggs and milk."

China still has one of the highest malnutrition rates in the world.

Its problems are characterized by both shortage of nutrient intake and imbalance of nutrient composition.

Experts warned that unhealthy dietary habits will greatly increase the risk of getting chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart troubles.

(CCTV.com November 12, 2004)