Healthy Nutrition – the Most Expensive Way to Fight Obesity

Update of “food pyramid” in 2010 pushed Americans to consume more foods containing potassium, fiber, vitamin D and calcium. But an article from public health magazine analyzed the growth of budgets spending on healthy nutrition.

If to add to the diet relatively inexpensive potatoes and beans, as sources of potassium and fiber, then the budget will stand still. But research has shown that full consumption of potassium will lead to additional $380 per year for the average consumer, says the leading researcher and Associate Professor from Epidemiology School of Public Health at the University of Washington, Pablo Monsivays.

He also criticized some aspects of marketing for healthy nutrition – products such as salmon, fresh greens and brown rice are not available for average U.S. citizens. Therefore, the program should provide people with food coupons to buy fruits and vegetables. And the policy of the State of Washington made potatoes a scarce commodity for women with children.

Scientists interviewed by telephone 2000 adults in Washington state and printed out sheets for 1300 more. They pointed out what foods people choose, and then analyzed them for nutrient content and costs spending.

People who spend most of their household budget on food products receive the recommended levels of potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin D and calcium. Who spent less – consume a lot of saturated fat and sugar.

Many people believe that poor people eat cheap foods because it tastes good, and healthy foods they simply can not afford. Almost 49% of buyers in the United States are guided primarily by price when purchasing foods.

Diets are becoming more and more expensive, depending on the requirements for the product. Plus, there are additional funds needed for fuel to get to the store offering all the variety of fruits and vegetables.

Scientists believe that the only farming subsidies and price reductions on healthy foods can help curb the obesity epidemic.