An apple a day might keep illness away

Australia: Fresh fruit and vegetables advised by medical professionals could be a good way to improve the health of Australians with type 2 diabetes, according to research from The George Institute for Global Health and UNSW Sydney.

A research published in the Journal of Nutrition shows that the researchers found, people with type 2 diabetes and high blood sugar levels who took part in a ‘produce prescription’ program over 12 weeks ate nearly two extra portions of fruit and vegetables a day. 

They also lost 1.7kg and saw a 10 per percent decrease in their LDL (low-density lipoprotein or ‘bad cholesterol’).

Lead author Jason Wu, Head of Nutrition Science at The George Institute and Professor at UNSW Medicine & Health’s School of Population Health, said this was an important first study in Australia demonstrating the potential of ‘food as medicine’ to help doctors and patients better manage diet-related diseases.

“We know that eating a nutritious diet is key to maintaining health. But only one in 20 Australians eat enough fruit and vegetables, with many struggling to access healthy foods, especially those from the most disadvantaged communities,” he said.

“Right now, unhealthy diets cause more than 20,000 premature deaths a year in Australia, and untold health hazard for patients and their families.”