Eating healthy might not just help your body ? it could also save you money. A new study from Seoul National University Hospital found that individuals with healthier diets incurred lower medical expenses.
Researchers looked at the health records and diets of 1,144 adults in Korea from 2016 to 2022. Using the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI), they found that individuals with the healthiest diets spent up to 8.6% less on total yearly medical costs than those with the poorest diets. They also saved 8.0% on hospital fees and 12.1% on outpatient care.
The savings were especially noticeable among adults under age 57. In this group, people with high-quality diets spent about 11.5% less on medical expenses than those with poor eating habits.
Lead researcher Dr. Park Min-seon explained that the correlation may be more pronounced among the younger generation due to their higher exposure to unhealthy eating habits, such as processed foods and skipping meals. She suggested simple steps, such as having a light breakfast or healthy snacks like fruit and milk, to avoid late-night eating.
She also advised cutting back on sugar and processed foods. “A few small changes in diet may help prevent illness and save money,” she said.