(WNDU) – According to the Centers for Disease Control, only about 12% of American adults eat the daily recommended amount of fruit.

Only 10% meet their vegetable intake recommendations.

Now, a new study looks at a way to get more people to eat these healthy foods. For Kathy Moramarco, healthy eating is a way of life.

“I try to eat healthy for weight management and longevity and anticancer,” Moramarco recalled.

Most people, like Kathy, know that fresh fruits and veggies are good for them, but eating enough can be hard. Now, a new study shows when doctors prescribe healthy foods, nutrition improves. Researchers studied 3,881 people from low-income neighborhoods.

Participants were given vouchers worth $15 to $300 a month to buy more fruits and veggies. Results showed the volunteers ended up eating about 30% more produce per day! A diet high in fruits and vegetables can lessen the risk of diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, and more.

And experts say the more variety and the color, the better!

“When you eat color, those colors give you the nutrients that you need to be your healthiest,” said Mary McAlary, a holistic health coach.

The American Heart Association recommends four to five servings each of fruits and vegetables daily. The U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests filling half of your plate with fruits and vegetables. Kathy says she feels better when she eats right.

“When I incorporate a lot more fruits and vegetables, I feel a lot better and my energy skyrockets,” Moramarco finished.

The U.S. Agriculture Department estimates that a person would need to spend $63 to $78 per month to eat the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables.

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