Don't you hate it when good news is also bad news? For instance, here are the latest findings about Americans' nutritional quality.

Analysis of information on more than 51,000 adults shows that since 2000, the number of people who have a very bad diet has decreased from 49% to around 38% of the population. But almost four out of 10 still have poor nutrition.

That adds up to lots of health problems, from obesity to osteoarthritis, diabetes, cancer, dementia, and depression.

And while more people have an ideal diet today than did in 2000, that’s still less than 2% of the total population.

What improved American's dietary quality?

Greater consumption of nuts/seeds, whole grains, and poultry, along with less consumption of refined grains, drinks with added sugar, fruit juice, and milk.

The people making the most improvements include younger adults, women, Hispanic adults, and people with higher levels of education, income, food security, and access to private health insurance.

Unfortunately, even for them the amount of fruits, vegetables, and fish/shellfish consumed is unchanged — and far too low.

People who still struggle with nutritional quality include older adults, men, Black adults, and people with lower education, less income, food insecurity, or non-private health insurance.