Costa Ricans consume too many sugary drinks, eat too many beans, and need to eat more fruits and vegetables. These were the conclusions reached by Dr. Georgina Gómez Salas in her graduation thesis at the University of Costa Rica (UCR).

The findings of the research “Diet Quality and its Relationship with Obesity in Eight Latin American Countries,” conducted by Dr. Gómez as a thesis for her Doctorate in Science from the Graduate Studies System (SEP) at the UCR. The study, part of the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS), analyzed more than 9,200 people in urban areas of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

Black beans, red beans, and beans in gallo pinto, soup, and “casado” are always present in Costa Rican dishes because they are part of our culinary identity and a source of nutritional pride. But when it comes to fruits and vegetables, especially dark green ones, the story changes. Spinach, broccoli, mustard greens, beet greens, and other dark green vegetables—concentrated sources of fiber, iron, calcium, vitamin A, and antioxidants—rarely appear on the daily table.

Sugary Drinks and Few Vegetables

Sugary drinks such as soda, bottled juices, homemade juices, coffee with several spoonfuls of sugar, and even instant infusions place us as the second-highest sugar consumer of the eight countries evaluated in the region.

In the case of Costa Rica, the analysis revealed that:

We are the country that consumes the most beans in the region, a food that provides vegetable protein, folate, and fiber, and is more sustainable than many animal proteins.

The intake of green leafy vegetables and fruits barely reaches half of the 400 grams per day recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Added sugar accounts for 16% of daily calories, well above the maximum suggested by the WHO (10%) and the ideal (5%).

Dr. Gómez, who has been dedicated to nutrition research at the University of Cordoba for more than 30 years, explains:

We always fail when it comes to green leaves and nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds are not part of our culture and are usually expensive, but they provide important components for a varied and quality diet.

What we put on our plate influences how long and how we live.

The researcher emphasizes that this is not a minor detail: a poor diet contributes to more than 11 million deaths each year worldwide, increasing the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and various types of cancer.

The Impact of UCR Postgraduate Programs

Dr. Gómez’s work is an example of how academic research can transform realities. At the SEP, the production of knowledge and the training of excellent professionals has been constant throughout its 50-year history, generating key contributions in all areas of knowledge and benefiting Costa Rican society.

In this regard, Dr. Eldon Caldwell Marín, Dean of the Graduate Studies System, notes:

During these five decades, the SEP has promoted high-impact research that improves people’s lives. Dr. Georgina Gómez’s study reflects the academic excellence and scientific rigor that characterize our programs and demonstrates how the knowledge generated at the University of Costa Rica is translated into concrete actions for the health, nutrition, and well-being of the population.

From thesis to public policy

The information obtained is not limited to scientific publications. The results are shared with health authorities and serve as input for the 2023 update of the Dietary Guidelines for the Costa Rican Population, developed by the Ministry of Health with the participation of several institutions, including the University of Costa Rica (UCR).

These guidelines, based on a food systems approach, promote consuming more local and seasonal fruits and vegetables, reducing ultra-processed foods, including legumes and dairy products, and considering the environmental footprint of what we eat.

Dr. Gómez concluded:

The guidelines remind us to take advantage of what the country produces. We have a great diversity and availability of fruits and vegetables, but we are not consuming them. They also invite us to think about the planet: before buying Chilean salmon, reflect on how far it traveled to get here and what its environmental impact was.

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