Iranians consume an average 30% more calories than they actually need, said Dr Reza Malekzadeh, deputy of science and technology at the Health Ministry. “Excessive carbohydrates consumption (like bread and rice) is the main cause for excess calorie intake,” Alef News Agency quoted him as saying. “High calorie intake can increase risk factors for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancers,” he added. Iranians consume the most bread per capita (160 kg per person) in the world after Turkey with 199.6 kg per person. Rice per capita consumption is also 36.6 kg in the country while the figure is about 5 kg in most European countries.
