A Mediterranean diet can provide benefits for your health and weekly budget, with new research from the University of South Australia revealing it can save a family of four $28 per week.
In an announcement on May 24, UniSA said a total of $1456 in savings can be made for a family of four per year when compared to the typical western diet.
UniSA researcher and PhD candidate Ella Bracci said the research shows a Mediterranean diet can be a viable and healthy option for cost conscious families.
“Diet is one of the leading modifiable risk factors for chronic disease,” Ms Bracci said. “Yet a significant number of Australians are still not consuming a balanced healthy diet.
“Australians tend to eat a fair amount of food that’s high in fat, salt, and sugar, which reflects the western diet.
“Unfortunately, this is also contributing to increased rates of type two diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and osteoporosis.”
This latest research found the Mediterranean diet and the Australian guide to healthy eating met recommendations for food groups, macronutrient distribution and key micronutrients associated with good health.
However, the typical Australian diet significantly lacked fibre, zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E and vitamin B6, and had double the recommended salt intake.
Ms Bracci said global agencies are increasingly endorsing plant-based diets such as the Mediterranean diet to help combat unhealthy food choices.
“The Mediterranean diet encourages eating fruits and veggies, whole grains, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, seeds and seafood, and there is a view that these foods are more expensive.
“This research shows how a Mediterranean diet can be a cost-effective option, letting people prioritise both their health and their hip pocket.”
