The study points out that Brazilians ate less nutrient-dense foods, especially the poorest, due to high prices
This was revealed by a survey that analyzed 500 million retail bills for food products worsening of the quality of Brazilian meals between January and June 2022 compared to the same period last year. People consume more cookies and snacks and fewer fruits and vegetables.
According to the study, conducted by Horus Inteligência de Mercado, these products are cheaper and, therefore, were more consumed by low-income families, mainly between classes D and E, despite the low nutritional value. Healthier foods such as vegetables are increasingly priced.
The survey shows that the volume of biscuits in Brazilian trolleys is already 3.5% higher in the periods compared, compared with a 2.9% drop in the quantity of fruit, 1.4% in the quantity of vegetables and 1.9% in vegetables. Also according to the survey, in the Brazilian table there were also significant increases in some substitutes for beef: eggs, sausage, mortadella and chicken.
low nutrient diet
Nutritionist Carolina Pimentel explains that cookies and snacks belong to different groups of fruits and vegetables, so they are not equivalent substitutes.
“Nothing replaces fruit, vegetables and greens. This consumption of food groups must be sovereign, regardless of how they are prepared,” he stresses.
The nutritionist, on the other hand, says she understands that values and quantities confuse the less informed consumer.
“Of course, for a mother who feeds a family of four children, when she sees a packet of snacks, 500g, for the same price as an apple, she understands that in volume she feeds her family much more. about this “, explains Pimentel.
Who classifies this substitution of food as harmful to the body is the doctor Alexandre Duarte, a specialist in metabolic physiology. He recalls that incorporated foods, such as mortadella and sausages, are reported in several studies as being related to the development of cancer.
“We see that the current shift in food consumption is leading the population to a more industrialized and more toxic diet,” Duarte points out.
Fragile health in the future
According to doctor Alexandre Duarte, deteriorating food quality has several negative health impacts. Weight gain is a medium-term consequence, while diseases related to the metabolic system can arise in the long term.
“This kind of food [industrializados] it is responsible for diabetes, metabolic syndrome and even cancer, as well as being related to depression, “adds the physiologist.
Nutritionist Carolina Pimentel also points out that one of the main consequences of these choices is the so-called “hidden hunger”. According to the expert, this occurs when the individual chooses foods that have only calorie density and not the nutrients that the body needs.
“The person will have a normal weight or, often, overweight, which masks the lack of important vitamins and minerals,” he adds.
According to the nutritionist, this vitamin deficiency is passed down from generation to generation.
“One way around this is to take this kind of information, that there is no substitute for this food group. We need a collective consciousness in terms of better distribution of these foods to everyone. There is no shortage of food,” there is poor distribution, “points.
food education
For nutritionist Carolina Pimentel, this substitution is about something beyond economics. In her assessment, it is “multi-causal”.
“Of course the economic factor exists, but it also has a cultural and social perspective and a very important lack of education,” he says.
Specialists recommend that people start enjoying, for example, the end of the fairs, popularly called “xepas”. At that time, food prices drop and you can buy more volume for less.
Other alternatives to avoid damaging the diet are avoiding ultra-processed foods, looking for cheaper meats, such as chicken or pork; and bet on more accessible vegetables, such as leaves and roots.
* With editing by Estela Marques.
Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
