Free Fruits and Veggies Improve Diabetes, Hypertension, and Obesity, According to New Study
A recent study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes reveals that individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity saw significant improvements in their health when they were able to obtain free fruits and vegetables through a prescription from their healthcare providers. The findings of this study indicate that these patients experienced positive changes in their blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and weight.
The impact of these improvements on overall health cannot be understated. For instance, participants experienced a decrease of more than 8 millimeters of mercury in systolic blood pressure (blood pressure during heartbeats) and nearly 5 millimeters of mercury in diastolic blood pressure (blood pressure between heartbeats). To put these numbers into perspective, the reductions achieved through free fruits and vegetables were approximately half of those attained through the use of blood pressure medications.
Across the United States, numerous healthcare providers have launched food is medicine initiatives, which involve providing patients with free, nutritious food. These programs often span over a year or longer. The study in question is the most comprehensive analysis to date of produce prescription programs, a specific type of food is medicine effort that grants patients with diet-related illnesses access to free produce such as apples, broccoli, berries, and cucumbers.
The study examined 22 produce prescription locations operated by Wholesome Wave, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting affordable and healthy food options. All participants — a total of 4,000 individuals — either had, or were at risk for, poor cardiometabolic health. They were recruited from clinics serving low-income neighborhoods.
The results were promising. Participants who engaged in these programs reported increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, they were 33% less likely to experience food insecurity, which refers to the lack of sufficient food to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
It is worth noting that many Americans, regardless of their income level, do not adhere to a healthy diet. However, research indicates that lower-income individuals tend to consume food that is less beneficial for their health compared to those who have greater financial means.
The importance of these findings has led to a call for more produce prescription programs as part of a national strategy to tackle food insecurity and reduce diet-related illnesses. The 2022 White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health concluded with a strategy that outlined the need for increased implementation of these initiatives.
Following the conference, both the Indian Health Service and the Veterans Health Administration announced produce prescription pilots within a year. Additionally, eight state Medicaid programs have received or applied for federal waivers that would permit Medicaid to cover produce prescriptions for select individuals for up to six months. However, many Americans who would benefit from these programs still do not have access to them.
Efforts to evaluate the efficacy of food is medicine pilots continue, with one such study being conducted in Massachusetts’ Medicaid program. In addition, a large-scale randomized controlled trial is underway to investigate the impact of free home-delivered meals on patients with cancer.
The findings of the study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes highlight the potential health benefits of providing free fruits and vegetables to individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. By addressing the issue of food insecurity and promoting healthier eating habits, these programs could have a profound impact on public health.
