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New White Paper Links Fruits, Veggies to Reduced Disease Risk
The Foundation for Fresh Produce report provides scientific rationale for produce as essential for preventing and managing chronic illnesses.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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The Foundation for Fresh Produce has released a white paper examining how increased consumption of fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases including heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer. The review, written by the foundation's Chief Medical Officer, provides an evidence-based framework for addressing global health challenges through produce intake.
Why it matters
The report comes during American Heart Month, as heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. and Europe. It reinforces that boosting fruit and vegetable consumption is a vital strategy for preventing and managing major cardiovascular risk factors globally.
The details
The review systematically explains how nutrients in produce - including vitamins, antioxidants, phytochemicals, potassium, and fiber - combat the root causes of chronic illnesses by reducing inflammation, managing hypertension, promoting satiety, and enhancing neurotransmitter function and gut health. The foundation calls on health professionals and policymakers to champion increased fruit and vegetable consumption as an essential, powerful, and accessible prevention strategy.
- The white paper was released on February 9, 2026.
The players
The Foundation for Fresh Produce
A Newark, Delaware-based organization that released the white paper examining the health benefits of fruits and vegetables.
Jelena Gligorijevic
The Chief Medical Officer of The Foundation for Fresh Produce and the author of the white paper.
Lauren M. Scott
The president of The Foundation for Fresh Produce.
What they’re saying
“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.”
— Lauren M. Scott, President, The Foundation for Fresh Produce
“The review is more than an academic summary; it is a call to action for the global medical, governmental and public health communities. 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.”
— Jelena Gligorijevic, Chief Medical Officer, The Foundation for Fresh Produce
What’s next
The Foundation for Fresh Produce urges health professionals and public servants to familiarize themselves with the white paper's findings, in order to champion increased fruit and vegetable consumption as an essential prevention strategy.
The takeaway
This report provides robust scientific evidence that boosting intake of fruits and vegetables is a cornerstone strategy for preventing and managing major chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. By focusing on these nutritional benefits, the medical community can empower patients, the public, and policymakers to shape food environments and public education around this powerful, accessible, and essential prevention approach.
