Food prices and blood cholesterol

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) cost Americans billions of dollars per year. High cholesterol levels, which are closely related to dietary habits, are a major contributor to CVD. In this article, we study whether changes in food prices are related to cholesterol levels and whether taxes or subsidies on particular foods would be effective in lowering cholesterol levels and, consequently, CVD costs. We find that prices of vegetables, processed foods, whole milk and whole grains are significantly associated with blood cholesterol levels. Having analyzed the costs and benefits of government interventions, we find that a subsidy of vegetables and whole grains would be an efficient way to reduce CVD expenditures.

► Food prices affect consumers' choice and ultimately the blood cholesterol. ► Blood cholesterol is a strong predictor of cardio-vascular disease. ► Prices of vegetables, whole grain products, low-fat and regular milk products have significant effect on the blood cholesterol. ► The most efficient way to reduce cardio-vascular expenditures is to subsidize whole grain products and vegetable. ► A dollar of subsidies to whole grain products and vegetables produces medical costs savings of $13.2 and $3.6, respectively.