
Prescribing Fruits and Vegetables Found to Alleviate Multiple Health Conditions
- foodfightadmin
- August 30, 2023
- Hunger In America, Nutrition
- resources latest july, rsc pages
- 0 Comments
Recent research indicates significant health improvements in individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity when they received free fruits and vegetables through doctor-prescribed programs. The study, published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, showed notable enhancements in patients’ blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and weight.
One of the key findings was a substantial decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, comparable to the effects of certain blood pressure medications. These “food is medicine” programs, which are gaining traction across the U.S., provide patients with healthy food choices for extended periods.
This study, the largest of its kind, analyzed data from 22 produce prescription program locations operated by Wholesome Wave, a nonprofit focused on affordable, healthy food access. Participants, selected from clinics in low-income neighborhoods, were given electronic cards or vouchers to purchase fruits and vegetables from grocery stores or farmers markets, receiving about $65 monthly.
The participants, all at risk of poor cardiometabolic health, reported increased fruit and vegetable intake and a one-third reduction in food insecurity. This finding is crucial, considering the high mortality rates in the U.S. due to cardiovascular disease and diabetes linked to poor diets.
The research highlights the disproportionate impact of diet-related health issues on food-insecure households, often leading to shorter lifespans and higher medical costs. While most Americans struggle with healthy eating, those with lower incomes are especially at risk due to limited access to nutritious food.
The 2022 White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health emphasized the need for more programs like these. Following a previous conference over 50 years ago, significant changes were made in U.S. food policies, including the expansion of the National School Lunch Program and the creation of WIC.
In response to the latest conference, the Indian Health Service and the Veterans Health Administration have announced produce prescription pilots. Additionally, eight state Medicaid programs are exploring federal waivers to fund such prescriptions. Despite these advancements, these beneficial programs are still not widely accessible to all Americans who could benefit from them.