Introduction: This research focuses on Iranians’ perceptions and attitudes toward healthy nutrition. Conducted with the participation of approximately 4,800 individuals, the study reveals their level of knowledge, awareness, and attention to nutritional information and food consumption patterns.
Attitudes Towards Healthy Nutrition: The results indicate that 57% of participants associate the concept of healthy food with key attributes such as being rich in vitamins and nutrients, being organic, and being fresh. A significant portion also values products that are low in sugar or fat and foods that match the body’s natural balance.
Knowledge of Daily Water Consumption: According to the findings, 63% of participants are familiar with the recommendation to drink eight glasses of water daily, and they consider it a key aspect of maintaining a healthy diet.
Knowledge of Daily Fruit and Vegetable Intake: Only 18% of respondents correctly identified the recommended daily intake of 400 grams of fruits and vegetables, while one-fifth were entirely unaware of this requirement.
Animal Protein Consumption: Only 16% of participants had accurate knowledge regarding the recommended daily intake of animal protein (red meat and poultry), with the majority overestimating the need.
Grain and Bread Consumption: Just 11% of respondents knew the correct daily intake of grains and bread, with most overestimating the recommended amounts.
Attention to Food Labels: Approximately 53% of participants reported paying attention to the nutritional labels on food products, indicating a relatively good level of awareness in the Iranian population.
Conclusion: The results of this research highlight that while there is a general awareness of the importance of healthy nutrition and nutrient-rich foods in Iran, there is still a significant gap between public knowledge and international standards. Improving awareness and educating the public on proper food consumption practices could greatly enhance Iran’s overall nutritional health.
