Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of mortality worldwide, and the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is also increasing. The economic burden associated with these health issues is significant and is projected to grow as the population ages. Individuals from lower income brackets face a considerably higher risk of developing these diseases, often due to limited access to medical care, as reported by BMC Medicine. Government initiatives aimed at promoting healthier dietary choices could potentially help mitigate the incidence of these illnesses. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration has sought to achieve this through food and nutrition labeling regulations. In fact, the Nutrition Facts panel is undergoing a major update, with specific listings for added sugars expected to appear on numerous food labels by 2020.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has been proactive in encouraging healthier eating habits among Americans. In 2011, it replaced the traditional food pyramid with the MyPlate graphic and subsequently released the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The current recommendation suggests that adults should consume 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables each day. However, a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlighted that only 12.2% of American adults met their recommended daily intake of fruit in 2015, while just 9.3% consumed the advised amount of vegetables.
Ultimately, compelling Americans to adopt healthier eating habits is a personal endeavor; it is a journey that each individual must undertake. Raising prices on unhealthy products is unlikely to deter consumers from purchasing them. For instance, red meat continues to be in demand, as evidenced by market prices. Conversely, will lowering prices on fruits, vegetables, and nuts genuinely boost their consumption? People are already opting for more produce, including pricier organic options and value-added fruits and vegetables.
While adjusting prices may not be the ideal method to encourage better eating, introducing new products might be effective. The food industry is filled with examples of manufacturers, producers, and retailers striving to influence consumer preferences through product innovation and reformulations. Major beverage companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Snapple have been actively working to reduce added sugars in their flagship products while diversifying their offerings to include “healthier” options such as sparkling juices, waters, and teas. B&G Foods is revitalizing the Green Giant brand by launching a line of trendy frozen vegetable products, including mashed cauliflower and riced veggies, with a new line of frozen veggie “pasta” set to debut in January.
Conagra Brands has transformed its frozen food lineup by incorporating premium, health-conscious products like Healthy Choice’s protein meal “Power Bowls” and lighter fare featuring more vegetables and lean proteins under its Marie Callender’s label. Farm & Oven is rolling out Bakery Bites, a cookie line that offers 40% of the daily-recommended vegetable intake per serving. Food and beverage manufacturers are making strides to provide a wide array of healthy options for consumers. The challenge often lies in reformulating products to maintain their original flavor while minimizing undesirable ingredients like sugars and saturated fats. This balancing act may be supported by these new offerings, yet, as always, it is the consumers who ultimately decide what they choose to eat.
In the context of cardiovascular health, achieving a “0 calcium score” can be indicative of a healthier cardiovascular system, emphasizing the importance of dietary choices. As awareness about the benefits of maintaining a “0 calcium score” grows, it could motivate individuals to make more informed decisions regarding their nutrition, further impacting the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.