Working within a grocery budget these days may sometimes mean forgoing the berries or cauliflower on your list to save a little money. A team of researchers worldwide recently showcased some evidence at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology/Lifestyle 2016 Scientific Sessions, that supported the idea of lowering the prices of veggies and fruit to make them more affordable. The results they revealed, showed that doing so would ultimately help with long-term heart health across the United States.
The study’s lead, public health registrar and clinical fellow Jonathan Pearson-Stuttard noted at the session that an inadequate diet contributes enormously to cardiovascular disease. He goes on to state that governments should pursue dietary policies to fight this burden, in the form of price reductions in fruit and vegetables, as well as mass media campaigns, to help achieve this goal.
As the biggest killer of both males and females across the U.S., close to a million people die of heart disease annually. Veggies and fruits are packed with the nutrients needed to help protect the body from cholesterol and high blood pressure, thus decrease the risk of this terrible illness. It is recommended that the average adult consume four to five servings of fruit and veggies daily to reap these benefits.
The international research team reviewed numbers, and decreasing prices of veggies and fruits could provide that financial incentive for adults and families to purchase more of these types of foods. Decreasing prices by 10 percent over a span of 15 years or so could save about 64,000-69,000 individuals, that would otherwise potentially die from heart disease. Researchers also revealed that decreasing fruit and veggie prices by 30 percent could save even more: approximately 191,000-205,000 lives, once again, over a 15-year span.
MSN advised that researchers came up with these numbers based on the estimated death rates due to heart disease from now until 2030. They also measured the amount of individuals expected to pass on over that time period, and compared it to lives that could be saved if healthier meals were consumed daily, incorporating the fruit and vegetable servings needed. Plus, there are those who want to pursue a healthier lifestyle, but simply cannot, due to finances. By removing that barrier, individuals across America can have the freedom to make healthier choices, without thinking about money.