- Food prescription programs are helping people, including children, adopt healthier eating habits.
- Prescriptions for fruits and veggies are proving effective in managing weight, blood pressure, and other health factors.
- Using food as medicine can potentially reduce the risk of heart problems, particularly for at-risk individuals.
In the near future, instead of getting a prescription from a pharmacy, a visit to the local clinic may lead to a prescription for fresh produce that can be filled at a farmers market.
Healthcare providers are implementing innovative programs to encourage increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, particularly among individuals who may have limited access to such foods.
The largest study of its kind has found that providing at-risk adults and children with prescriptions for fruits and veggies, along with financial support to purchase them, can significantly improve their dietary habits and reduce risk factors for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the US.
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Food prescriptions leading to improvements in blood pressure and weight
A recent study analyzed data from nearly 4,000 individuals, including 1,817 children, residing in low-income neighborhoods across 12 states. These participants either had existing cardiovascular problems or were at risk of developing them. They received nutritional classes on healthy eating habits and were provided with financial support to purchase fruits and vegetables from grocery stores and farmers markets. The average amount of money provided per month was approximately $63, varying by location and household size.
The participants remained in the programs for an average duration of six months, during which they reported consuming more fruits and vegetables. Children consumed about a quarter cup more per day, while adults consumed nearly one cup more per day.
Food prescriptions also had a significant positive impact on heart health, improving metrics such as blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and body mass index. The study, published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, found that the benefits observed were about half as effective as common medications prescribed for similar purposes.
‘Food as medicine’ trend combating healthcare costs and inequality
Further research is required to determine the specific mechanisms through which fruits and vegetables contribute to these improvements and the optimal amount needed for visible results.
Previous small-scale pilot studies have indicated that food prescriptions promote increased fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as improvements in overall quality of life. However, these studies lacked detailed data on specific heart health metrics.
In addition to the improvements in health metrics, participants also reported better overall health, improved quality of life, and reduced food insecurity.
It remains unclear how much of the observed benefits are directly attributable to the fruits and vegetables themselves, as factors like stress also significantly impact heart health.
“Food insecurity affects health through various important pathways, including overall dietary quality, as well as stress, anxiety, mental health, and trade-offs between food expenses and other basic necessities like housing, utilities, and medications,” stated lead author Kurt Hager of Chan Medical School in a press release.
While the study had limitations, such as the lack of a control group for comparison, it provides promising evidence in support of utilizing nutrition as medicine. Experts not involved in the study agree that there is a need for more initiatives aiming to improve health outcomes through subsidized produce prescriptions and increased consumption of nutritious fruits and vegetables.
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