Food as Medicine: What Science Actually Says

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Let food be your medicine.” It sounds nice, but maybe you’ve wondered, is it really true? Can the foods we eat really make a difference in preventing disease or improving our health?

The answer, according to decades of research and recent studies, is yes! And it’s more powerful some of us truly realize!

What “Food as Medicine” Really Means

“Food as Medicine” isn’t about one magic superfood or a trendy detox. It’s about using food strategically to support your body, prevent illness, and even manage chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

In practice, it can mean:

• Choosing nutrient-rich, whole foods to replace highly processed options.

• Using specific foods to target health goals, like fibre-rich foods for blood sugar control, or omega-3 rich foods for heart health.

• Integrating specific foods into clinical care programs to reduce disease risk and healthcare use.

The American Heart Association highlights that food interventions can play a key role in preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases, especially when combined with medical care.

What the Research Shows

The science behind “Food as Medicine” is growing fast. Some highlights:

• A randomized clinical trial showed that people participating in an intensive food-as-medicine program not only improved their health markers but also used fewer healthcare resources.

• Large-scale reviews and expert statements confirm that providing access to healthy, targeted foods improves blood pressure, blood sugar, and overall cardiometabolic health.

• National initiatives, like the Food Is Medicine Summit, are exploring how food interventions can change healthcare and improve health equity.

How Food Works Its Magic

You might wonder: what makes certain foods medicinal?

• Nutrient density: Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in whole foods support our cells and protect against disease.

• Functional compounds: Things like soluble fibre, polyphenols, and healthy fats have measurable effects on metabolism, gut health, and inflammation.

• Targeted interventions: Some programs use specific foods or supplements to address particular health concerns, like reducing cholesterol or inflammation.

Why This Matters Beyond Individual Health

“Food as Medicine” isn’t just for individuals, it has the potential to reshape healthcare and our food systems. Innovations in food production and supply chains mean that nutrient-dense foods could reach more people, improving public health and reducing healthcare costs.

This approach also addresses nutrition security, ensuring everyone has access to foods that truly support long-term health.

Bringing Food Medicine Into Your Life

Even if you’re not part of a structured program, you can start applying these principles today:

1. Make whole foods your foundation: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, etc.

2. Focus on functional foods: fibre-rich beans, antioxidant-packed berries, omega-3 sources like salmon.

3. Eat with purpose: balancing carbs with protein, fibre, and healthy fats not only keeps blood sugar stable but also supports lasting energy.

4. Consistency over perfection: benefits build up over time, not overnight. The 80/20 rule is a great target point.

The evidence is clear: food isn’t just fuel. It can actively support your health. Whether you’re looking to prevent disease, manage a condition, or simply feel your best, the foods you choose every day matter.

References:

A Systematic Review of “Food Is Medicine” Randomized Controlled Trials for Noncommunicable Disease in the United States: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Seligman HK, Angell SY, Berkowitz SA, et al. Circulation. 2025;152(4):e32-e46. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001343

Food Is Medicine: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association. Volpp KG, Berkowitz SA, Sharma SV, et al. Circulation. 2023;148(18):1417-1439. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001182

“Food Is Medicine” Strategies For Nutrition Security and Cardiometabolic Health Equity: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. Mozaffarian D, Aspry KE, Garfield K, et al. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2024;83(8):843-864. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.023

Effect of an Intensive Food-as-Medicine Program on Health and Health Care Use: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Doyle J, Alsan M, Skelley N, Lu Y, Cawley J. JAMA Intern Med. 2024;184(2):154-163. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.6670

Functional Components and Medicinal Properties of Food: A Review. Abuajah CI, Ogbonna AC, Osuji CM. Journal of Food Science and Technology. 2015;52(5):2522-2529. doi:10.1007/s13197-014-1396-5

From the Kitchen to the Medicine Cabinet: Examples of Food Products and Supplements Used for Therapeutic Intent.Gura KM, Chan A, Zong W, Pai N, Duro D. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2024;79(3):460-472. doi:10.1002/jpn3.12296

Let Food Be Your Medicine - Dietary Fiber. Liu M, Li S, Cao S, et al. Food & Function. 2024;15(15):7733-7756. doi:10.1039/d3fo05641d

Perspective: Food Is Medicine: Hype or Hope? Glenn AJ, Hu FB. The Journal of Nutrition. 2025;:S0022-3166(25)00531-0. doi:10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.08.025

Advances in Food-as-Medicine Interventions and Their Impact on Future Food Production, Processing, and Supply Chains. Defraeye T, Bahrami F, Kowatsch T, et al. Advances in Nutrition. 2025;16(6):100421. doi:10.1016/j.advnut.2025.100421