How Costa Rica’s Traditional Food Practices Could Be the Key to Solving America’s Health Crisis
Could Costa Rica’s Traditional Food Practices Hold the Answer to America’s Health Crisis? America’s health crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and fatigue becoming the norm. As I sit here at El Cafe de LC in Grecia Costa Rica writing this article and chowing down on a soft flaky baguette and sipping on their refreshing tap water, I noticed something remarkable: not only did I feel more energized and satisfied when I consume my meals here in Costa Rica, but the food didn’t leave me feeling sluggish as it often does back in the States. Is there something unique about Costa Rican food practices or is there something uniquely hidden about American food practices? Could Costa Rica’s traditional food practices hold the key to a healthier America? I know it can be hard for most because I couldn’t see this at all before my first visit to Costa Rica, but try to imagine a place where fresh fruit smoothies are cheaper than sodas, where restaurant menus change with the seasons, and the food you eat leaves you feeling energized rather than exhausted. This isn’t a fantasy—this is daily life in Costa Rica and it still can be in the States too. Since spending time here, I’ve noticed profound differences between how Costa Rica approaches food and health compared to the U.S. But the most shocking realization? It’s almost as if you have to pay more to get sick here in Costa Rica, while fresh, nutrient-rich options are not only affordable but the norm. The American Health Crisis: Could We Be Missing the Obvious? America’s relationship with food is, to put it lightly, complicated. Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are skyrocketing, and studies have shown that diets high in processed foods are a major contributor. Yet, access to healthy food is increasingly out of reach for many Americans. In Costa Rica, however, food doesn’t seem to come with this trade-off. Could their more traditional food practices be part of the solution? The Power of Traditional Food Practices in Costa Rica Costa Rica’s traditional food practices includes an approach to food has been shaped by simplicity and a strong connection to nature. Traditional Costa Rican cuisine emphasizes: Did You Know? A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that diets rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, like those common in Costa Rica, are associated with a 30% reduction in chronic diseases. With processed foods making up nearly 60% of the American diet, could our reliance on convenience foods be eroding our health from the inside out? This natural approach contrasts sharply with America’s reliance on processed, fast, and ultra-preserved foods, which have been linked to health concerns. Health Experts Weigh In Dr. Mark Hyman, a renowned American physician and functional medicine advocate, has argued for years that the “Western diet” is at the heart of the chronic disease epidemic. “The solution isn’t in a new pill or another quick fix,” he says. “It’s in our food. When we prioritize whole, fresh foods over processed options, we tap into the body’s natural healing capabilities.” In Costa Rica, this philosophy is practically woven into the culture. Similarly, Dan Buettner, author and researcher of Blue Zones, identified the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica as one of the regions where people consistently live the longest, healthiest lives. A key factor? Their diet, which is naturally low in processed foods and rich in fresh produce, beans, and grains. In Nicoya, food is a means to longevity, not just a commodity for profit. What’s Really Happening with American Food: A Culture of Convenience or a Recipe for Illness? America’s industrialized food system is efficient but often at a cost to quality which ultimately leads to a steep price on your health. Additives, preservatives, and synthetic ingredients are common in American food, yet rarely present in Costa Rican diets. This distinction raises critical questions: When people eat a diet rich in whole foods, they report feeling fuller longer, have more sustained energy, and experience fewer “sugar crashes.” In the U.S., our reliance on high-sugar, high-fat processed foods could be contributing to the “post-meal slump”—often called “the itis”—that leaves us feeling drained after eating. But what if this wasn’t just normal? What if food could do the opposite? Protect Your Health with Yuka: A Powerful Tool to Expose Hidden Ingredients In today’s world of complex ingredient lists and misleading food packaging, protecting yourself from hidden dangers in processed foods is more important than ever. One of the best tools to help you do this is Yuka, a 100% independent app that’s free from the influence of brands or ads. Yuka’s commitment to transparency and consumer empowerment makes it a unique resource—one dedicated solely to giving people like you control over the food you buy and consume. What Makes Yuka Different? Unlike many nutrition apps influenced by commercial interests or sponsored ads, Yuka is fully independent. This independence ensures that the product recommendations you receive are unbiased and scientifically grounded. Recognizable by its cheerful orange carrot logo, Yuka allows you to scan food barcodes and instantly receive a clear rating based on: But Yuka doesn’t just stop at warnings. If it identifies a product with poor nutritional or ingredient quality, it will suggest healthier, safer alternatives. This feature alone can make shopping a whole lot easier, saving you from hours spent deciphering labels and online research. How Yuka Can Transform Your Food Choices to Mimic The Quality of Costa Rica’s Traditional Food Practices By using Yuka, you’re taking control of your health and making informed choices. Here’s how Yuka can be a game-changer: Get Started with Yuka Today Getting started with Yuka is simple and free. Here’s how to use it today: Why Yuka Stands Out Yuka’s uncompromised independence makes it a powerful ally in an industry filled with misleading marketing tactics. Because it isn’t sponsored, you can trust that the information it provides is intended solely to benefit you, the …