The Texas International Produce Association recognizes that eating more fruits and vegetables can change lives by improving not only how you feel, but also having the potential to impact chronic disease.
The USDA report on dietary guidelines notes, “Today, about half of all American adults—117 million people—have one or more preventable, chronic diseases, many of which are related to poor quality eating patterns and physical inactivity. Rates of these chronic, diet-related diseases continue to rise, and they come not only with increased health risks, but also at high cost. In 2008, the medical costs linked to obesity were estimated to be $147 billion. In 2012, the total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes was $245 billion, including $176 billion in direct medical costs and $69 billion in decreased productivity.” Source: USDA Dietary Guidelines Report