The Mediterranean diet, renowned for its health benefits, is a dietary approach that has piqued the interest of many. However, the misconception of it being expensive often discourages budget-conscious individuals from considering it.
Research from the University of South Australia has uncovered a fascinating aspect of the Mediterranean diet: it promotes health and offers significant economic benefits. Compared to a typical Western diet, adopting the Mediterranean diet could potentially save a family of four an average of $28 per week, translating to a substantial $1456 annually.
This research evaluated the nutritional content and cost of three dietary models: the conventional Australian Western diet, the Mediterranean diet, and the dietary approach recommended by the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE). The Mediterranean and AGHE diets satisfied the criteria for recommended food groups, macronutrient ratios, and essential micronutrients for maintaining good health. In contrast, the typical Australian diet lacked several nutrients such as fibre, zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, and vitamin B6. It exceeded the advisable salt intake by twofold.
The cost analysis revealed that the Mediterranean diet required an expenditure of $78 weekly for an individual, $135 for two, $211 for three, and $285 for a family of four.
Ella Bracci, a researcher and PhD candidate at UniSA, has drawn attention to the implications of the study. She has underscored the Mediterranean diet as a viable and healthful choice for households on a budget, emphasizing the role of diet as a modifiable risk factor for chronic diseases. Bracci has also highlighted the alarming prevalence of unhealthy eating habits in Australia, contributing to the rising rates of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and osteoporosis.
The challenge in Australia has been the perceived expense associated with adopting diets like the Mediterranean, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, seeds, and seafood. Bracci’s research counters this perception, demonstrating the Mediterranean diet as an economically viable means to prioritize health and financial well-being.
The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating outlines a balanced diet encompassing five food groups. Despite these guidelines, only 8% of Australians meet the recommended vegetable intake, with many consuming a significant portion of their daily calories from high-salt, high-sugar, and high-fat foods.
Associate Professor Karen Murphy from UniSA remarked on the affordability of healthy eating, suggesting that maintaining a balanced diet could be more cost-effective than some might think, contrary to the financial toll unhealthy eating can have on the body. She advocated for the Australian Healthy Eating Guidelines and the Mediterranean diet, noting the latter’s lower cost.
Murphy provided practical advice on reducing grocery expenses, such as taking advantage of sales, buying seasonal produce, and opting for generic brands. She highlighted the significant cumulative savings – nearly $1500 annually – that can be achieved by choosing the Mediterranean diet, underscoring the potential impact on households’ budgets during challenging financial times.
More information: Ella L. Bracci et al, Developing a Mediterranean Healthy Food Basket and an Updated Australian Healthy Food Basket Modelled on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, Nutrients. DOI: 10.3390/nu15071692
Journal information: Nutrients Provided by University of South Australia
