Data released by the World Health Organization show that only 24.1% of Brazilians consume the minimum recommended amount of fruits, vegetables and vegetables.
When it comes to health, three topics can easily come to mind: physical activity and preventive exams linked to a balanced diet, after all, you don’t play with well-being. It becomes increasingly important to treat food as an essential factor for a healthy life.
Data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) show that only 24.1% of Brazilians consume the minimum recommended amount of fruits, vegetables and vegetables. Among men, the percentage verified by the survey is even lower: only 19.3% meet the recommendations; among women, the situation is a little better and consumption reaches 28.3% of the total. O study of the Surveillance of Risk and Protection Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (Vigitel) also reveals that only 1 in 3 Brazilians have the habit of regularly consuming fruits and vegetables and that only 32.7% consume five daily portions of these foods, and the WHO guides an average consumption of 400g, equivalent to 05 daily portions.
Pandemic affected family income and contributed to this scenario
The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly affected the economy and household income. In this scenario, families that no longer had access to adequate food began to experience some level of food insecurity, starting to consume more ultra-processed foods. According to a survey carried out by the PENSSAN Network, in December 2020, 34.7% of the Brazilian population fit into these conditions, which is aggravated in cases of families in which informal employment predominates or in situations of unemployment. “This scenario is a reflection of the economic scenario and the impoverishment of families and includes the lack of public policies that encourage healthy eating – and also guarantee conditions of access – among vulnerable families”highlights Heloisa Oliveiradirector-president of Instituto Opy de Saúde, who also recalls the importance of disseminating information about the impacts of consumption of ultra-processed foods.
In the day to day so hectic, sometimes, there is barely time to think about health. Maintaining a healthy diet, for example, is in the background. Often we only realize the importance of health care when it is already compromised. For Heloisa Oliveira, it is necessary to make the population aware and also to warn about the importance of policies that reinforce the role of good nutrition in health as a whole. “We cannot pass up the opportunity to assess our nutritional habits and the importance of nutrition as a preventive measure and control of chronic diseases. Therefore, reflect on your quality of life, your habits and choices and make a clear choice for life. This date is mainly for everyone to become aware of the importance of maintaining healthy habits “emphasizes Heloisa. “Remember, before anything else, that your body is like a sacred temple and that’s why you must take good care of it”concludes.
About Heloisa Oliveira
Heloisa Oliveira is Director-President of Instituto Opy de Saúde. Graduated in Economics from UNICEUB in Brasília (DF), she has an Executive MBA from Fundação Instituto de Administração -FIA / USP and a specialization in Corporate Governance from Fundação Instituto de Pesquisas Contábeis, Actuarial e Financeiras – FIPECAFI / USP. With a career spanning more than 20 years dedicated to social issues, Heloisa worked in several areas of Banco do Brasil in executive positions, including the Presidency of Fundação Banco do Brasil.
Source: Recreio
