Nutrition and Cultural Diversity

Influences on American Dietary Patterns

• Various ethnic and religious groups have influenced Americans' dietary patterns
• Traditional ethnic diets are often based on dishes containing small amounts of animal foods and larger amounts of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and unrefined grains

Northwestern European Influences

• Immigrants from northwestern European regions established the familiar "meat-and-potatoes" diet
• This diet features a large portion of beef or pork served with a smaller portion of potatoes
• Associated with high rates of chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes

Hispanic Influences

• The traditional Mexican diet included corn, beans, chili peppers, avocados, papayas, and pineapples
• Fruits and vegetables add fiber and a variety of nutrients, phytochemicals, vivid colors, and interesting flavors to Mexican dishes
• Authentic Mexican meals are based primarily on rice, tortillas, and beans, depending on the region

Italian and Other Mediterranean Influences

• The traditional Italian diet is healthier than the Western diet and features pasta, olive oil, fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables
• The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid has plant foods as the core of a healthy diet
• Grains, fruits, and vegetables form the foundation of this diet
• Red meat and sugary foods are rarely eaten, and wine may be included with meals

African Heritage Influences

• The diets of African-Americans have changed significantly over the past several decades to incorporate regional food preferences
• Traditional African-American diet includes sweet potato pie, fried chicken, pork, black-eyed peas, and "greens"
• Fried foods and salt-cured pork products contribute undesirable levels of fat and sodium to the diet

Asian Influences

• Traditional Asian foods feature large amounts of vegetables, rice, or noodles combined with small amounts of meat, fish, or shellfish
• The variety of vegetables used in Asian dishes adds color, flavor, texture, phytochemicals, and nutrients to meals
• The Asian Diet Pyramid illustrates the traditional Asian dietary pattern, which generally provides inadequate amounts of calcium from milk and milk products

Native American Influences

• The traditional Native American diet was low in sodium and fat and high in fiber
• Many Native Americans abandoned their traditional diets and adopted the typical Western diet, leading to negative health effects

Religious Influences on Dietary Practices

• Many religions require members to follow strict food handling and dietary practices
• Examples include:
  • Jewish dietary laws (kosher)
  • Buddhist vegetarianism
  • Hindu restrictions on beef and pork
  • Islamic prohibition of pork, birds of prey, reptiles, insects, and alcohol-containing beverages
  • Mormon avoidance of alcohol, coffee, and tea