Why Healthy Food Isn’t Actually Expensive and How Subsidies Affect Our Choices
The idea that healthy food is deliberately made expensive to limit poor people's lifespans is a complex one filled with numerous assumptions. To address this, let's break down the issues and explore the truth behind the affordability of nutritious options.
The Nature of Food and Hunger for Specific Flavors
Firstly, it is crucial to understand that food is not inherently healthy or unhealthy. The term 'healthy food' is a relative one, depending on the context and the individual's dietary needs. What is universally accepted is that there are no conspiracies to poison people with bad food; rather, there are deliberate efforts to sell the type of food that consumers consistently demand. Our preferences for sweet, salty, and fatty foods are deeply rooted in our biological instincts, with the initial taste of mother's milk being a prime example. Restaurants like McDonald's have capitalized on these cravings, making a substantial profit from fast and cheap food.
ARE HEALTHY FOODS ACTUALLY EXPENSIVE?
Often, the perception that healthy food is expensive stems from a lack of awareness about the actual prices of nutritious options. For instance, raspberries at $2.50 for 6 ounces are more affordable than a frappe from McDonald's, which typically costs around $3.50. Cabbage at Aldi for just $1 per head is also much cheaper than a large portion of fast food. Likewise, wild salmon for $7 per pound is a bargain compared to the cost of a large meal at a fast-food chain. The reality is that healthy food can be cheap if one is willing to buy and cook it.
Government Subsidies and the Cost of Produce
Government subsidies play a significant role in the cost of food. The food industry heavily relies on subsidized crops such as corn, wheat, soy, and rice, which are used to produce cheap, processed foods. In contrast, fresh fruits and vegetables, which are essential for a healthy diet, are highly perishable and expensive to transport. This makes them more costly for consumers. Additionally, organic produce is even more expensive to grow due to the specific requirements and certifications.
Addressing Class Struggle and Government Motivations
It’s essential to recognize that governments have different priorities and motivations. While it is true that there might be a lack of incentive for governments to prolong human lives, framing this as a deliberate conspiracy is an over generalized and paranoid hypothesis. It is much more likely that the issue lies in the class struggle and the prioritization of economic benefits over public health.
Conclusion
Healthy food does not have to be expensive. It is a matter of awareness and willingness to choose the right options. By demanding and supporting the production of fresh, organic produce, we can indeed promote a healthier lifestyle. The current system is flawed, but attributing this flaw to a blanket conspiracy against the poor is an oversimplification that does not serve the purpose of addressing real issues.