Our Story

1. We know from randomized trials that 400 grams of fruit and vegetables per day can lower systolic blood pressure by approximately 3 mmHg.

2. Increasing the amount of vegetables by around 200 grams per day may lower the risk of both coronary heart disease and stroke by around 10-15%, as observed by prospective cohort studies. Some studies suggest that especially green leafy vegetables could reduce stroke risk. Green leafy vegetables have also been linked to a 10% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, for a 50-gram difference in daily intake.

3. Many studies suggest that fruit may protect against cardiovascular diseases. In prospective cohort studies, the risk of coronary heart disease is about 10% lower in people with an intake of around 250 grams per day (2-3 pieces), compared to people with an intake of only 50 grams. For stroke, 2 extra pieces of fruit per day is even associated with a 20-30% lower risk. Some studies suggest that especially citrus fruit could protect against stroke. Eating around 3 pieces of fruit per day has also been associated with a 10% lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

4. Obesity is the leading medical reason of why applicants fail to qualify for military service in the United States.

5. Twenty years ago no state had an obesity rate over 15%. As of today there are 41 states with an obesity rate of over 25%(Revolution, 2015)

6. By 2030 51% of Americans will be obese if growth continues at the same rate (Revolution, 2015).

7. The current annual impact of poor health is costing the United States about 1.8 trillion dollars according to the US Department of Labor (Pickett, 2005).

8. The risk of heart failure is 34% higher for overweight individuals and 104% higher for a person considered obese (Lawlor, 2006). Why is this? The extra weight causes a heart to work that much harder putting it under increased stress. According to the Cleveland Clinic obesity leads to increases in cholesterol, high blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes), and metabolic syndrome. 

9. There are thirteen different types of cancer that are directly linked to obesity. Some of these types of cancer include endometrial, esophageal, kidney, and liver.

10. Medical costs relating to obesity are between 147- 210 billion per year. Those numbers account for an entire 10% of our annual medical spending (Revolution, 2015).

11. Obesity has now surpassed smoking as one of the highest causes of preventable deaths.

12. Obesity has hidden cost burdens due to losses of productivity in the workplace. the costs for disability and unemployment benefits will also increase. The time off of work that is required with some of these diseases, such as diabetes, are a lot more than most employers anticipate. Businesses are experiencing hardships due to obesity- related job absenteeism. As of now the United States is looking at about 4.3 billion annually in spending.

13. Education is a key component of stopping such an epidemic. Most students are only required to take one health class in all 12 years of school. Health classes are rarely advised to be taken past high school. 

14. 6 in 10 young people aged 2 to 19 years and 5 in 10 adults consume a sugary drink on a given day.

15. 19% of young people aged 2 to 19 years and 40% of adults have obesity, which can put them at risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

16. The family of dark green leafy vegetables delivers many nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, folate, vitamin K, magnesium, calcium, iron and potassium.

17. One serving of green leafy vegetables per day is associated with slower age-related cognitive decline.