New research suggests New Zealand’s fibre deficiency is costing the country.

A study conducted by Deloitte access economics and nutrition research Australia shows that New Zealanders are fibre deficient.

If we were to add three serves of high grain fibre to our daily diets we could save the economy $600 million a year in reduced healthcare costs.

The research says we could also avert 34,000 cases of cardiovascular disease and 68,000 new cases of type 2 diabetes.

CEO of the New Zealand Nutrition Foundation Sarah Hanrahan told Mike Hosking that they'd have to simplify the information so it's easier for people to understand what is and isn't healthy. 

"It can be really difficult. We can talk all we like about eating a couple more handful of grains, eating more fruits and vegetables, but it's really hard for people to do that."

LISTEN TO SARAH HANRAHAN TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOBE