BEIJING -- A dietary imbalance is a significant cause of chronic diseases, said a research report released on Feb 25 on Chinese residents' diet conditions. The Chinese Nutrition Society (CNS) initiated the research.

The report shows that among dietary factors, high sodium intake results in 17.3 percent of deaths caused by cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in adults. It is followed by insufficient fruits and omega-3 fatty acids from aquatic products, accounting for 11.5 percent and 9.7 percent, respectively.

The study found that the nutrition and health of Chinese people have improved significantly. The average height of Chinese residents has also continued to increase, said Ding Gangqiang, vice president of the CNS.

Daily household salt intake per person stands at 9.3 grams, with the figure falling by 2 grams every ten years. It does, however, remain higher than the recommended level of fewer than 5 grams, the report reads.

Consumption of sugary beverages by the Chinese is on the rise year by year. High sugar intake has become the main reason for obesity and diabetes among teenagers.