Healthy eating in times of crisis by Paula Bustamante Saiz - the reason

The balanced diet is part of a pattern of healthy lifestyle that will help us to live better and healthier. However, the Spaniards we move away from the pattern of healthy eating. According to the last national survey of dietary intake (Enide), the Spanish takes daily an average of 2.482 calories, being 16 per cent in the form of proteins, 40 percent of fat, and 44 percent carbohydrates. These figures indicate an excess of fat and protein (fatty meats, sausages and pastries) and an intake of carbohydrates below those recommended (whole grains, fruits, vegetables). On the other hand, only 43 per cent and 38 per cent of the population takes daily fruit and vegetables, while the average for both food intake below recommended (two fruits and vegetables average and a ration). Data to be taken into account from the point of view of public health, given the direct relationship between inadequate nutrition and the risk of obesity and problems associated with it, like the diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

In the Confederación Española of organizations of housewives, consumers and users (Ceaccu), have studied the cost of the shopping basket weekly a menu of healthy, comparing the past three years (2009-2012) and based on the analysis of price IPOD (price index in source and target of the food). Thus, we have seen how consumers pay equal to or slightly less fruits and vegetables today that in 2009 and 2010, however, paying a little more for the meat. With the increase of two points on the reduced VAT, some of these products will be slightly increased its final price as preserves, meat and fish. Not of super-reduced VAT (basic food). In addition to the price of food, there are other factors that influence the poor diet of Spaniards such as the lack of knowledge about power, cultural level, lack of time, the fashion and the influence of advertising features all of the most advanced societies. For example, the aforementioned Enide survey, checks how the population with university education takes more vegetables. On the other hand, and in relation to the lack of time, we see how increased by more than two percentage points the billing of the unhealthy fast food establishments, where even salads provide too much salt, as shown in studies in Ceaccu. Consumers should be aware of the importance of a balanced diet, avoiding dispense with fruits and vegetables or other foods in the family budget, thus regaining our habits as a Mediterranean country and put our health at any rate of interest.

** Paula Bustamante Saiz / Biologa-farmaceutica
Responsible for the Area of health of the Spanish Confederation of organizations of housewives, consumers and users (Ceaccu)