The latest details of the National Food Survey data published by the United Kingdom Environment Department (Defra) reveal that the eating and drinking habits of consumers have undergone several changes through generations. The new figures come as a surprise because they show that Britons are moving away fast from their old favorites and are now adopting junk foods.
According to the figures, which form a part of Defra's "open data" scheme, people have largely moved towards healthier diets in recent decades. They now prefer more low-calorie soft drinks, skimmed milk and fresh fruit. Their weekly consumption of chips, pizza, crisps, as well as ready meals, have not increased greatly.
Meanwhile, an increasing number of Britons are giving up their traditional cup of tea. The preference for toast slices is also on the way out. At the moment, the popularity of junk food is on the rise.
The survey collected data from 150,000 households who participated in the National Food Survey between 1974 and 2000, and combined the findings with information collected between 2000 and 2014, showing a remarkable shift from white to brown, wholemeal and other bread, Independent reported.
On the other hand, Britons reduced their bread consumption by 40 percent since 1974. In fact, there is a decline in the demand for 40 grams slice of a medium loaf. A number of bread people are now only consuming just 15 to 25 slices per week.
Even the use of traditional spreads like butter, margarine and dripping have declined since 1974. Moreover, Britons have been drinking less tea these days. The figures reveal that tea consumption by an average Briton has declined from 68 grams to just 25 grams per week.
Another survey undertaken by the Public Health England (PHE) and carried by Lancet showed that increased junk food consumption by Britons is responsible for more ailments and deaths in the country than those caused by smoking, the Telegraph said.
The study revealed that NHS spent about 40 percent of its resources to deal with the illnesses caused by preventable lifestyle factors like unhealthy eating habits, obesity, alcohol and smoking.
The survey found that diet is currently the number one factor for poor health and is ranked ahead of smoking. It is responsible for 10.8 percent of the ailments in the UK compared with 10.7 percent illnesses due to smoking.
Simon Stevens, the NHS head, observed, "Cutting down on junk food diets, couch potato lifestyles, cigarettes and booze could make Britain one of the healthiest places to live in the world."
