Banking on Russian berries for improved nutrition

Russia is facing a health crisis. Approximately 50% of its population are overweight or obese, while cardiovascular diseases, strokes, diabetes and obesity cost its economy US$ 555 billion in lost income between 2005-2015 (World Health Organisation*).  This significant rise in diet-related chronic diseases is due in part to dietary changes. 

Despite the diversity of varieties and landraces that are traditionally part of Russian food culture, commercial agricultural practices concentrate on just a narrow range of food crops.

Traditional, nutrient rich foods have been replaced with cheaper calorie-rich, nutrient-deficient staples like bread and potatoes, while culinary traditions are being lost. 

But attention is shifting back to Russia’s diverse agricultural past to find solutions to the increasing health crisis, and in particular to the small berry fruits which grow well in the cold climate of the northern territories. [Read more  [2]]

*Preventing Chronic Diseases: a vital investment. WHO, Geneva, October 2005