The Foundation for Fresh Produce has released a white paper examining how fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases including heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer, the Newark, Delaware-based organization announced Feb. 9.
“Fruits, Vegetables, and Human Health: Key Nutrients and Their Role in Chronic Diseases,” written by the foundation’s Chief Medical Officer Jelena Gligorijevic, provides an evidence-based framework for addressing global health challenges through produce consumption.
“This review strengthens the clinical and public health case for produce by confirming that a high daily intake of fruits and vegetables is a cornerstone strategy for both preventing and managing chronic noncommunicable diseases,” said Lauren M. Scott, president of The Foundation for Fresh Produce. “It moves far beyond ‘eat your veggies because they’re good for you’ and provides a robust scientific rationale for why fruits and vegetables are an essential part of dietary approaches and healthful lives all over the world.”
Heart disease drives February release timing
The February release coincides with American Heart Month, as heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. About one in three adult Americans has one or more types of cardiovascular diseases, and one in every three deaths is attributed to cardiovascular disease.
Heart disease is also the leading cause of death in the European Union, prompting the E.U. to launch a new Cardiovascular Disease Action Plan. The plan emphasizes prevention, nutrition and early intervention as critical approaches for reducing non-communicable diseases.
The medical review reinforces evidence that increased fruit and vegetable consumption plays a vital role in preventing and managing major cardiovascular risk factors in the U.S., the E.U. and globally.
Nutrients combat root causes of chronic illness
The review systematically explains how nutrients in fruits and vegetables combat the root causes of major chronic illnesses. Vitamins, antioxidants and phytochemicals reduce the inflammation that underlies many chronic diseases. High potassium and low sodium help manage hypertension.
Low energy density and high fiber promote satiety and combat obesity. Fiber and phytochemicals exert a protective effect against diabetes, cancer and digestive disorders. Anti-inflammatory compounds, antioxidants and essential nutrients enhance neurotransmitter function, lower inflammation and foster a healthy gut, all of which may contribute to better mood regulation and stress resilience.
“The review is more than an academic summary; it is a call to action for the global medical, governmental and public health communities,” Gligorijevic said. “Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption is not just a lifestyle suggestion. It is an essential, powerful, and accessible strategy to improve quality of life and combat the global rise of chronic disease.”
The foundation urges health professionals and public servants to familiarize themselves with the review. While the produce industry supplies the fruits and vegetables needed, clinicians, dietitians, policymakers and government agencies must champion their consumption.
The findings confirm fruits and vegetables provide the essential vitamins, minerals, bioactive phytochemicals and fiber needed to prevent and treat major common diseases. By focusing on these benefits, the medical community can empower patients, people of all ages and policymakers to shape food environments and public education that move beyond treatment to a sustainable model of prevention.
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