A groundbreaking study reveals that individuals grappling with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity experienced notable health enhancements by receiving complimentary prescriptions for fruits and vegetables from healthcare practitioners.
Published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, our study highlights the tangible improvements observed in blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and weight among these patients. Systolic blood pressure, marking pressure during heartbeats, saw a remarkable reduction of over 8 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), while diastolic blood pressure, representing pressure between heartbeats, decreased by nearly 5 mm Hg. For context, this reduction is approximately half of what is achieved through blood pressure-lowering medications.
“Food is medicine” initiatives have gained traction among U.S. healthcare providers, offering patients access to nutritious food for varying durations, often spanning a year or more. Our study examines one facet of this movement – produce prescription programs. These initiatives empower patients grappling with diet-related ailments to obtain an array of fruits and vegetables, including apples, berries, cucumbers, and broccoli, free of charge. Participants in locations such as Los Angeles, Boise, Houston, and Minneapolis, where our analysis focused, were granted the liberty to choose their preferred produce from grocery stores or farmers markets using electronic cards or vouchers. Typically, participants received approximately $65 per month for four to 10 months.
Pooling data from 22 produce prescription sites operated by Wholesome Wave, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing access to affordable and nutritious food, we embarked on the most extensive evaluation of such programs to date. Our study involved 4,000 participants from clinics catering to low-income neighborhoods, all of whom exhibited poor cardiometabolic health or were at risk thereof.
Participating individuals showcased elevated consumption of fruits and vegetables, while also experiencing a remarkable 33% decrease in the likelihood of encountering food insecurity – a state of inadequate food access detrimental to overall well-being.
This research advances our understanding of the symbiotic relationship between nutrition and health, underscoring the pivotal role that diet plays in combating chronic conditions and fostering holistic well-being.
