Post

It costs more to eat healthy

A study by the University of Washington Center for Public Health Nutrition and the Nutritional Sciences Program has found a healthy diet may be more difficult for low incomes. The current U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend consumers increase their intake of nutrient-dense foods across all food groups. The Washington study found that from 2004 to 2008, the supermarket price of the top 20 percent most nutrient-dense foods increased 29.2 percent while the price of the least nutrient-dense 20 percent increased 16.1 percent. Food Navigator.com reports the researchers are concerned because the data indicates it would cost more to eat healthy. As an example of the price discrepancy, 1,000 calories of the best nutrient-dense foods would cost $27.20 while 1,000 calories from the worst nutrient-dense foods cost $3.32.

The researchers wrote, “Lost or diminished incomes combined with rising food prices could have adverse consequences for consumers’ diet quality, and as a result, their nutritional status and health.”