Friday 20 September 2013

Economic Crisis and Obesity

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Italy is renowned for its food culture and has been voted as the world's most popular cuisine several times over. Pasta, pizza, risotto originates from Italy so it may be a surprise to hear that since the Economic Crisis, a change is happening in a country where food and health really do come hand-in-hand.
Economic Crisis

We all know that by following a Mediterranean diet lowers the risk of heart-disease, diabetes, obesity and even some cancers. Olive oil, fish, vegetables and fruit are the key ingredients of this but recently, these essential foods have become more expensive. With increased competition from neighbouring countries like Greece coupled with high fuel prices, vegetable prices have increased by 15% in recent years. How does this impact the average consumer?
Home and Nutrition

As food prices have risen, families are turning to lower-cost foods to support their families. Pasta with homemade tomato, pizza and panzerottis are becoming the norm. A Panzerotti costs less than 1 euro in Puglia and yet a meal can cost 12 euros at a restaurant. The Italian diet has moved away from one rich in fish, meat, vegetable, olive oil to one of pasta and other high-carbohydrate cheap meals resulting in 20% of Italians being overweight. One third of Italians under 30 are overweight. Nutritionist, Francesca Noli, confirms this growing "worrying" trend by saying, "People here in Italy are eating far fewer fresh vegetables and fresh fish and meat - and when they do they buy discount food which is poor quality" With rising food costs, there is a feeling of no other option in Italy where unemployment runs at 12%.
North South Divide

The divide between the north and south of Italy is well-known and their eating habits are no exception. Northern cities like Milan have supermarkets where cheap food is readily available. In the southern regions like Puglia, a lot of people grow vegetables in their gardens and even have their own vineyard. It is normal in Puglia to have a three-course meal for lunch and dinner with 70% of what's given coming from the garden. Nothing is wasted and everything is eaten from fried sunflower plants to pasta with home-grown vegetables. Going out to a restaurant is considered an expensive treat.

The Future
The impact of rising food costs is causing a change within Italian cuisine within the home. Italians are eating cheaper, less nutritious food to save on cost which has resulted an increase risk of obesity. With that being said, Italian cuisine will forever be popular and will always be known as a diet for long life.

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source : Economic Crisis and Obesity

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