AFF shows the power of produce in the American diet

Decades of nutritional studies have shown the immense benefits of eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. 

These benefits include disease prevention, overall improvements to physical and mental health and a longer life.  Here are just a few examples of the power of produce.

• If just half of all Americans increased their consumption of a fruit or vegetable by a single serving each day, 20,000 cancer cases could be prevented every year, according to peer reviewed research. 
• A study from Tufts University, Friedman School of Nutrition, found that “prescriptions” for fruits and veggies would prevent 1.93 million cardiovascular events (such as heart attacks) and 350,000 deaths, as well as cut healthcare costs by $40 billion.
• A peer reviewed study published in Plos Medicine showed a plant-rich diet can add three to ten years to your life expectancy.
• Eating 7 or More Servings Reduces Risk of Premature Death by 42%, according to another peer reviewed study.
• Fruits and vegetables are a major source of antioxidants and vitamins, which are proven to prevent and fight diseases.  Dr. Sylvia Klinger explains how antioxidants work in disease prevention which you can read in her guest blog here.

Studies also show:

• Mental well-being rose in accordance with the amount of fruits and vegetables consumed.
• Produce consumption helps your skin develop a healthful glow with lovely shades of yellow and red that people find attractive.

If you need ideas on how to increase produce consumption for you and your family, our network of Registered Dietitians has you covered.  They have shared their favorite usage ideas and quick tips for easily including more produce in your daily diets as well as money saving hacks on safefruitsandveggies.com.

Remember, don’t let any group or anyone discourage you from purchasing the produce you enjoy and is affordable and accessible for you.

This update was distributed by the Alliance for Food and Farming.

For more information, please contact:

Teresa Thorne: tthorne@foodandfarming.info