To improve the climate and increase global health, fortified whole grains could be a solution. A solution that also promotes biodiversity and reduces deforestation.
Globally, our consumption of refined grains contributes to diet-related diseases, and their production also has a negative environmental impact. The report ”The Whole Truth About Whole Grains” by Boston Consulting Group, BCG, shows that a solution to the problem could be fortified whole grains. The aim of fortifying whole grains is to increase the availability of important nutrients for populations where the diet is not always sufficiently nutritious.
This is particularly important in areas where diet-related diseases and malnutrition are common. Fortified whole grains are whole grain products that have been enriched with additional nutrients, usually vitamins and minerals, to achieve a better nutritional profile. This is often done through a process where specific micronutrients are added that are not naturally present in high concentrations in the grains or that may have been lost during processing. Fortification of whole grains can include the addition of iron, folic acid, and B vitamins, which are important for preventing malnutrition and improving public health.
– By transitioning to the production and consumption of fortified whole grains, we can address critical issues such as food security, nutrient deficiency, and environmental impact, says Malte Clausen, Partner & Associate Director, BCG. In the past decade, global grain consumption has moved from whole grains to an ever-increasing proportion of refined products, meaning that the most important nutrients have been removed.
This process not only contributes to a lack of essential nutrients but also to significant environmental damage due to high greenhouse gas emissions and intensive use of land and water. Fortified whole grains, on the other hand, can be an effective counterweight. These grains are produced with less input of raw materials, resulting in reduced carbon dioxide emissions and a lower environmental impact while promoting biodiversity and reducing deforestation.
– We are facing a global challenge to be able to produce food for a growing population without exceeding our planetary boundaries. Fortified whole grains are not just a step in the right direction, they represent a possible revolution in how we produce and consume food, concludes Malte Clausen.
