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Food is a fundamental pillar of human existence, shaping not only individual health but also cultures, economies, and the planet itself. Over the centuries, the way we eat has undergone profound transformations, driven by technological advances, climate change, global crises, and supply and demand dynamics. In this article, we will explore the evolution of healthy eating, the challenges facing the global food system, the countries that excel in high-quality dietary practices, and the role of Brazilian fruits as protagonists of a nutritious and sustainable diet.

The Evolution of Human Nutrition: From Survival to Conscious Choice

Since prehistoric times, food was a matter of survival. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors relied on fruits, roots, seeds, and game, living in harmony with natural cycles. With the Agricultural Revolution about 10,000 years ago, humanity began cultivating cereals, legumes, and fruits, laying the foundation for more diverse diets. However, nutritional quality varied depending on local availability, climate, and agricultural knowledge.

In the Middle Ages, European diets were marked by inequality. While nobles consumed meats, spices, and exotic fruits imported from the East, peasants relied on bread, porridge, and basic vegetables. The spice trade, intensified by the Crusades, and the introduction of new foods through Arab conquests, such as rice and sugarcane, diversified European diets. In Brazil, indigenous peoples were already cultivating manioc, corn, and tropical fruits like cashew and guaraná, which were central to their balanced diets.

The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century brought dramatic changes. Urbanization and the mass production of processed foods, such as canned goods and refined flours, made food more accessible but less nutritious. In the 20th century, the Green Revolution increased grain production through the use of fertilizers and pesticides but also concentrated agriculture in monocultures, reducing dietary diversity and impacting the environment.

Today, healthy eating is defined not only by nutrition but also by sustainability and respect for local cultures. Brazil’s Dietary Guidelines for the Population, launched in 2014, is a milestone in this regard, recommending the consumption of fresh or minimally processed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while reducing ultra-processed foods high in sugar, sodium, and fats.

Planetary Crises and the Global Food System

The global food system faces unprecedented challenges. According to the FAO (2015), about 805 million people lack access to sufficient food for a healthy life, and food insecurity is exacerbated by economic inequality. The UN projects that the world’s population will reach 9.5 billion by 2050, requiring a 50% increase in food production. However, this growth is limited by crises such as climate change, water scarcity, and soil degradation.

Climate change directly affects food production. Higher temperatures reduce the productivity of crops like fruits and vegetables, especially in tropical regions. The UN (2015) warns of a global water deficit of 40% by 2030, which threatens agricultural irrigation. In Brazil, sustainable irrigation policies, such as the São Francisco River transposition, aim to mitigate these impacts, but responsible water use remains critical.

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified the food crisis. Between (2019 and 2023), the number of people facing acute food insecurity doubled, from 149 million to 333 million, according to the World Food Programme. In Brazil, 59.4% of the population faced food insecurity in 2020, with 15% experiencing hunger. Economic crises, the end of emergency aid, and rising prices for staple foods like rice and beans worsened the situation.

Moreover, intensive food production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Agriculture accounts for about 25% of global emissions, and intensive livestock farming requires vast land areas, leading to deforestation. To address these challenges, the UN recommends more sustainable diets with increased consumption of vegetables, legumes, and fruits, and reduced consumption of meat and ultra-processed foods.

Supply and Demand: A Fragile Balance

The dynamics of supply and demand shape the global food system. Population growth and rising per capita income increase demand for food, particularly animal proteins, vegetable oils, and ultra-processed products. In Brazil, demand for beef is expected to grow by 12.6% by 2024, requiring herd expansion and new productive areas. However, Embrapa (2014) estimates that only 254.4 million hectares are legally available for agriculture, highlighting the need to boost productivity without expanding the agricultural frontier.

On the other hand, food supply faces constraints. Land concentration in Brazil, where less than 1% of agricultural establishments control 44% of arable land, limits diversified production. Dependence on monocultures like soybeans and corn, destined for export and animal feed, reduces the supply of fresh foods in the domestic market. As a result, 44% of Brazilians reduced meat consumption and 41% reduced fruit consumption during the pandemic due to high prices.

Family farming is a promising solution. In Brazil, it accounts for 70% of the food consumed domestically, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. Programs like the Food Acquisition Program (PAA) encourage the purchase of products from small farmers, promoting food security and local economies. Additionally, the cultivation of Non-Conventional Food Plants (PANC), such as ora-pro-nóbis and taioba, can increase dietary diversity and nutritional quality.

Countries Leading in Healthy Eating and Quality of Life

Some countries stand out for their healthy dietary practices, which combine nutrition, sustainability, and cultural respect. According to a Nature Food study (1990-2018), only ten countries achieved high scores in healthy dietary patterns. Among them are:

• Japan: The Japanese diet is rich in fish, vegetables, seaweed, and rice, with low consumption of ultra-processed foods. The longevity of the Japanese, with a life expectancy of 84 years, reflects the quality of their diet and active lifestyle.
• Italy: The Mediterranean diet, based on olive oil, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, is associated with a low incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Italy values regional and seasonal foods, reducing environmental impact.
• Norway: With a focus on fish, berries, and whole grains, Norway combines a nutritious diet with public policies that promote sustainable agriculture and universal access to fresh foods.

Brazil, despite its agricultural wealth, ranks among the lowest in this index, achieving only 30% of the targets for healthy eating. The rise in ultra-processed food consumption, such as sodas and snacks, and the low intake of fruits and vegetables (69.1 g/day for men and 92.6 g/day for women) are the main challenges. However, initiatives like the Dietary Guidelines and school food education programs signal a promising path forward.

Brazilian Fruits: A Nutritional and Cultural Treasure

Brazil is one of the world’s largest fruit producers, with a market that grew from $130.7 billion in 2022 to $144.5 billion in 2023, according to Euromonitor. The diversity of tropical fruits, such as mango, pineapple, guava, cashew, açaí, and cupuaçu, is a unique asset that enriches the Brazilian diet and attracts the global market. These fruits are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases.

• Açaí: Native to the Amazon, açaí is a superfood rich in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats. Its consumption in bowls with fruits and granola has become popular, but it’s important to avoid ultra-processed versions with excess sugar.
• Cashew: Typical of the Northeast, cashew is a source of vitamin C and fiber. Both the fruit and the nut are valued, with the nut market growing from $15.9 billion in 2022 to $17.3 billion in 2023.
• Guava: Rich in vitamin C and lycopene, guava is affordable and versatile, consumed fresh or in juices and desserts. Its sustainable cultivation strengthens family farming.
• Mango: With varieties like Tommy and Haden, mango is exported to several countries and provides vitamins A and C, as well as fiber that aids digestion.

Brazilian fruits also have significant cultural importance. Guaraná, used in natural energy drinks, is sacred to indigenous peoples. Cupuaçu, with its unique flavor, is the basis for Amazonian desserts. However, access to these fruits is unequal. In urban areas, high prices and a preference for ultra-processed foods limit their consumption, while in rural areas, seasonality and lack of transportation infrastructure are barriers.

To promote fruit consumption, Brazil has implemented policies like ANVISA’s new nutritional labeling, which highlights sugar, sodium, and fat content in industrialized products, encouraging healthier choices. Additionally, agroecological fairs and urban gardens, such as the RHAMB project in the Federal District, bring consumers closer to fresh, regional foods.

Conclusion: Toward Healthy and Sustainable Eating

Healthy eating is a global challenge that requires a balance between nutrition, sustainability, and social justice. Throughout history, humanity has transformed its dietary habits, but today it faces crises that demand urgent changes. Brazil, with its wealth of fruits and agricultural potential, has the opportunity to lead this movement by promoting diets based on fresh foods, supporting family farming, and combating food insecurity.

Adopting healthy eating is not just an individual choice but a collective responsibility. Consuming Brazilian fruits, valuing cultural diversity, and supporting public policies that prioritize sustainability are concrete steps toward a future where everyone has access to high-quality food, respecting the planet and its future generations.

References

• FAO (2015). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World.
• UN (2012). Global population projections.
• Euromonitor International (2023). Fruit and vegetable market in Brazil.
• Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population (2014). Ministry of Health.
• Embrapa (2014). Limits of Brazil’s agricultural frontier.