We've heard it many times - the Mediterranean diet is great for our health. However, despite the significant health benefits of this diet, the projected cost is often a deterrent, especially when the budget is limited.
Now, new research from the University of South Australia shows that the Mediterranean diet is not only good for your health but also for your weekly budget, saving a family of four $28 a week (or $1,456 a year) compared to a typical Western diet.
The study compared the nutritional profile and weekly costs of three food baskets based on the typical Western Australian diet, the Mediterranean diet and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE).
The Mediterranean Diet and the Australian Healthy Eating Guide have been found to meet recommendations for food group, macronutrient distribution and key micronutrients related to good health, while the typical Australian diet is significantly deficient in fibre, zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E and vitamin B6 , and contains twice the recommended amount of salt.
The Mediterranean diet cost $78 a week for a single person, $135 for a household of two, $211 for a family of three, and $285 for a family of four.
UniSA researcher and PhD student Ella Bracci says the research shows the Mediterranean diet can be a viable and healthy option for cost-conscious families.
"Diet is one of the main risk factors for chronic disease. Despite this, a significant number of Australians still do not eat a balanced, healthy diet," says Bracci.
“Australians eat quite a lot of food that is high in fat, salt and sugars, mirroring the Western diet. Unfortunately, this also contributes to the rise in type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity and osteoporosis.
“To help combat unhealthy food choices, global organizations are increasingly advocating plant-based diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, as the preferred guide to healthy eating. The challenge, however, is convincing people to embrace these principles in Australia, and one of the biggest limitations is the perceived Cost.
"The Mediterranean diet encourages eating fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, seeds and seafood, and there is a perception that these products are more expensive. With the high cost of living in Australia, it is not surprising that people consider where they spend their hard earned money.
"This study shows how the Mediterranean diet can be an economical option, allowing people to focus on both health and savings."
