Your Next Rx: Fruits + Vegetables?

The next time your doctor breaks out the prescription pad, it might not be for medication, or, not at least what we typically think of when medicine comes to mind. 

A recent study at Tufts University is making a big claim: not only could prescribing fruits and vegetables prevent millions of chronic diseases in the U.S., it could also save billions...yes, billions of dollars in healthcare costs for Americans. 

70% of chronic diseases in the U.S. are related to diet and lifestyle, and Americans are paying for it, literally, with 86% of annual healthcare costs related to those same chronic ailments.  By modeling for subsidized coverage of fruits and vegetables, the study found test subjects were less likely to rely on their healthcare providers—a direct line to keeping more income in their pockets.  

The cost of fresh fruits and vegetables at the grocery store—coupled with hard-to-break food habits like sugars and carbs—can be a barrier to millions of Americans more focused on getting affordable food on the table. By pushing for subsidized fruits and vegetables via a doctor’s prescription, price ceases to be a concern, leveling the playing field when it comes to bringing home nutritious produce. 

Beyond the major cost savings for everyday Americans, health experts are looking at the long game, too. The Tufts study projects that through wide adoption of prescribing subsidized fruits and vegetables, we could see a savings of $40-$100 billion dollars in healthcare costs, a radical number that simply comes down to eating your vegetables. 

While not yet widespread in practice, health networks are beginning to roll out the recommendation. It might not be long before a prescription for subsidized antioxidant and vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables becomes the new normal, and a reality that us Veg Heads here at Ark Foods think is a great preventative measure for a healthier future.