The Power of Produce: A Quick Guide to Fighting Chronic Disease

The Global Nutrition Shift

Person chopping carrots on a white cutting board in a kitchen. As countries become more economically developed, traditional diets are shifting. People are eating more processed, less nutritious foods and fewer fruits and vegetables. This change is a major driver of the global rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. These health issues, once common in high-income nations, are now spreading rapidly in low- and middle-income countries.

Why Fruits and Vegetables Are the Solution

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is a powerful tool to combat NCDs.

Disease Prevention: Higher intake of produce is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Weight Management: Fruits and vegetables are low in energy density, making them a great tool for managing weight and preventing type 2 diabetes.
Economic Impact: Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption could save billions in healthcare costs and boost productivity by reducing sick days.

What Can We Do?

Combating this trend requires a collective effort, from governments to non-profits and individuals. We can:

Support nutrition programs that provide fresh produce to vulnerable communities. School meal programs, for example, can ensure children get nutritious food.
Enact smart policies that make healthy eating easier. Policies like front-of-package nutrition labels help consumers make better choices, while taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages or ultraprocessed foods can discourage the consumption of unhealthy items.
Provide financial incentives, such as cash vouchers or tax exemptions, to make fruits and vegetables more affordable.

Interested in the Full Story?

Want to learn more? Explore the full details, data and citations in our complete
White Paper on Fighting Non-Communicable Diseases Through Diet.

A Quick Guide to Fighting Chronic Disease Through Diet

The Power of Fruits and Vegetables

The Global Nutrition Shift

Why Fruits and Vegetables Are the Solution

What Can We Do?

Interested in the Full Story?

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