A diet consisting of a variety of fruits and vegetables is a proactive way to prevent chronic disease, like certain cancers, heart disease and diabetes. However, are you aware of doctors writing “prescriptions” for overweight patients or those with chronic diseases to eat more fresh produce? According to an article by Freshplaza, U.S. Program Prescribes Fruit & Veg to Patients with Chronic Disease , prescriptions can be redeemed at local farmer’s markets in an attempt to “increase fruit and vegetable consumption while improving health among patients with lower incomes.”

Fruit and Vegetable Prescriptions

In fact, doctors have taken the idea a step further to include those patients who are in danger of chronic disease due to their weight. A 10 week preventative program called the FLAVORx vegetable prescription pilot was rolled out in 2016 in South Yarmouth, MA. This pilot program used fresh produce in place of pills, as patients took their prescriptions to farmer’s markets for a $30 redemption in fruit and vegetables per week. According to an article entitled, Fruit and Veggie Prescription Pilot Yields Benefits , Chronic disease places a huge burden on the patients we see… 86 cents of the health care dollar is spent on treating chronic disease, and dietary factors are prime contributors to illnesses ranging from diabetes to heart disease. The patients who took part in the FLAVORx program saw success with reduction in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and cholesterol levels. The program is garnering attention and plans to expand as organizers search for funding.

Stats You Need to Know

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health knows nutrition. Here are some stats that you should know to help you get your 5 a day (or more):

• A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, lower risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect upon blood sugar which can help keep appetite in check

• Based on a study, those who consumed an average of 8 or more servings of fruit and vegetables a day, were 30% less likely to have a heart attack or stroke than those who only consumed 1.5 servings per day

• Significant changes in those that suffer from high blood pressure by eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and low in saturated and total fats – similar to reductions achieved by medication

• Research shows that consumption of green leafy vegetables and fruit is associated with a lower risk of diabetes

• Eating fruit and vegetables prevents age-related eye disease such as cataracts and macular degeneration

Read more about the facts of how the consumption of fruit and vegetables can prevent and even reverse chronic disease.

Availability & Waste Reduction

The key to eating fresh fruit and vegetables is to have it readily available for snacking. Now you can portion your fresh produce for easy, on-the-go snacking without the worry of browning. This simple process takes 1 minute to prep as you’re putting away your weekly groceries. Stop throwing your fresh produce in the trash because it goes bad before you can eat it. Reduce food waste by keeping fruits and vegetables looking fresh all week long. Click here to learn why fresh is simple.

Have you had an experience where eating fruit and vegetables have helped you to reverse a chronic disease? Please share below.