When it comes to diet, many people first think of grandma's recipes, herbal teas, and sour milk for strength and a healthy gut ... But times have changed.
Today it is hard to find time to cook, and even harder to find healthy food in the store that an average person can afford. And this is not just a feeling, it is now confirmed by the numbers.

Healthy food is too expensive for many

A group of researchers in the USA conducted a comprehensive study that included 2765 people from six major cities. Each person was asked what they eat, where they buy groceries, and what the prices are in their local stores. Then all the food people ate was divided into two groups - healthy and unhealthy. Healthy foods included fresh vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. Unhealthy foods included candies, sodas, processed snacks, and similar empty calories.
The results were crystal clear. Where healthy food was more expensive, people tended to opt for unhealthy options more often. And interestingly, this was not most obvious among the poorest. The poorest were already mostly eating the cheapest foods, regardless of how healthy they were. The biggest change was seen among those in the middle class, who have a regular income, yet have to carefully consider what goes into their shopping cart.

Prices speak for themselves: yogurt or chocolate drink?

When comparing prices of basic foods in our region, we get a similar picture. A liter of low-fat natural yogurt costs around 1.60 euros, while a bottle of soda of the same quantity is often available for less than a euro. You can pay up to 3 euros for a kilogram of fresh bell peppers, while a 150-gram bag of chips is often discounted to 99 cents.
In the last ten years, the price of fruit has increased by 37% in several countries, the price of vegetables by 34%, while the price of sugary drinks and processed foods changes much more slowly, sometimes even decreases due to promotions and discounts. Similar trends are being observed throughout Europe.

What about health?

World Health Organization (WHO) states that obesity is one of the fastest-growing health issues of modern times. According to their data in 2022, there were more than 650 million obese adults in the world, meaning every eighth person in the world is overweight. In Europe, over 58% of adults are already dealing with this issue, with almost one in five already classified as obese.
It's not just about aesthetics. Obesity is linked to more than 30 different diseases, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, joint problems, heart issues, and even some types of cancer. Additionally, obesity also affects the quality of sleep, focus, and mental well-being.

Why isn't healthy food more accessible?

We can find wisdom in the saying: What is good, is not cheap. But when it comes to food, it should be the opposite. Healthy food should be the cheapest, as it is the basis for a long, healthy, and productive life. However, the issue lies in subsidies and agricultural policy. Various incentives more strongly support the production of corn, wheat, and sugar, rather than fruits and vegetables.
In the USA, for example, over 60% of all agricultural subsidies go to the production of grains, which are then processed into corn syrup and other cheap additives for processed foods. Similarly, in the European Union, the Common Agricultural Policy still rewards quantity over quality. The result? Sweets and snacks full of additives are often cheaper than organic apples.

What does folk wisdom say?

People have known for centuries what benefits the body. Ancient recipes, such as fermented sour milk, natural apple cider vinegar, nettle tea, and homemade onion soup, didn't come about by chance. They had their logic, which current research even confirms. Fermented products, for example, contain good bacteria that regulate digestion and strengthen immunity. Nettle is full of iron and vitamins. And apple cider vinegar helps regulate blood sugar, which can reduce cravings for sweets.
That's why it's worth asking: can we still listen to common sense today, amidst all the glitz of advertisements and promotions? Will we believe an ad for vitaminized candy over homemade soup from healthy ingredients?

Solutions exist - but they are not instant
If we as a society want to reduce obesity and encourage people to live healthier lives, we must first ensure that healthy food is more accessible, cheaper. Local initiatives such as community gardens, farmers' markets, and school meal programs can help. A positive attitude towards food begins from a young age.
Additionally, we should also consider tax incentives. Some countries have already introduced higher taxes on sugary drinks. Mexico (which is considered the largest consumer of Coca-Cola) has reduced consumption by 7.6% in the first year with this measure. Similar measures in Finland reduced candy consumption among young people by almost 15%.
The answer to the question of whether cheap unhealthy food is to blame for obesity is: yes, and on multiple levels. It's not just an individual's decision, but a broader systemic problem driven by economics, advertising, and politics. However, we all, as individuals, still have the power of choice. Every time we reach for food, we are not just deciding our meal, but our health in ten years.
So, feel free to take a few extra minutes on your next trip to the store, check out the seasonal corner with fruits and vegetables, choose a plain yogurt cup, and brew yourself some mint or nettle tea. Your body will be grateful ... And perhaps even your wallet.