Often lauded for its health benefits, the Mediterranean diet has long been recommended as an ideal eating plan.
However, the perceived costs associated with this diet have deterred many.
In a surprising turn, a new study from the University of South Australia (UniSA) reveals that following the Mediterranean diet can actually save a family of four $28 per week, or $1456 per year, compared to the standard Western diet.
Comparative Analysis
The researchers compared the nutritional profile and weekly costs of three food baskets based on the typical Australian Western diet, the Mediterranean diet, and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE).
Both the Mediterranean diet and the AGHE met recommendations for food groups, macronutrient distribution, and key micronutrients associated with good health.
In contrast, the typical Australian diet was found to be deficient in fibre, zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, and vitamin B6, while containing double the recommended salt intake.
Cost Breakdown
According to the study, the cost of the Mediterranean diet for different households varied from $78 per week for a single person, $135 for two, $211 for three, and $285 for a family of four.
Health and Pocket Friendly
Ella Bracci, a UniSA researcher and PhD candidate, highlights that this study shows the Mediterranean diet as a viable, healthy, and cost-effective option for families.
With diet being a major modifiable risk factor for chronic diseases, this revelation could prompt a shift towards healthier eating habits.
“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,” Bracci explains.
A Sustainable Shift
Despite the endorsement of plant-based diets like the Mediterranean diet by global agencies, their adoption in Australia has been slow, primarily due to the perceived high cost.
This research could be a game-changer in addressing this barrier, showing that health and budget can indeed go hand in hand.
UniSA’s Associate Professor Karen Murphy added that a balanced healthy diet doesn’t have to be expensive.
She advised savvy shopping, looking for discounts, buying in-season produce, and opting for home-brand or non-premium products to further reduce grocery bills.
“A $28 dollar saving may not seem like much a week, but over a year this is nearly $1500, which can make all the difference to your budget when times are tough,” she concluded.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about how the Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about plant nutrients that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
The study was published in Nutrients.
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