Nutrition and Ethnic Diversity

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary influence on an individual's food selection and cooking habits?

Cultural/ethnic heritage

What is a common characteristic of traditional ethnic diets?

Small amounts of animal foods and larger amounts of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and unrefined grains

What happens to the prevalence of chronic diseases in immigrant populations as they assimilate into the general population?

It increases

What is a characteristic of the 'meat-and-potatoes' diet brought by northwestern European immigrants?

Large portion of beef or pork served with a smaller portion of potatoes Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical way potatoes are prepared in the modern 'Western' diet?

Fried Signup and view all the answers

What is associated with the 'Western' diet?

High rates of serious chronic diseases, particularly CVD and type 2 diabetes Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the healthy eating practices of immigrants as they assimilate into the general population?

They are often abandoned Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of restaurants in the United States?

A wide variety of ethnic fare Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest ethnic minority group in the United States?

Hispanic population Signup and view all the answers

What are the traditional staple foods of the Mexican diet?

Corn, beans, chili peppers, avocados, papayas, and pineapples Signup and view all the answers

What is the core of the traditional Italian diet?

Pasta Signup and view all the answers

What is the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid based on?

Traditional dietary practices of Mediterranean countries, such as Greece, southern Italy, and the island of Crete Signup and view all the answers

What type of fat is olive oil a rich source of?

A type of fat that reduces rather than increases the risk of CVD Signup and view all the answers

What is a common way that greens are cooked in traditional African-American cuisine?

With small pieces of smoked pork Signup and view all the answers

What is a traditional African-American dish that incorporates sweet potatoes?

Sweet potato pie Signup and view all the answers

Why do many non-Hispanic Americans not like to eat traditional Mexican meals?

Because they are limited to inexpensive yet nutritious plant foods Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between traditional Italian pizza and the pizza commonly consumed in the United States?

Traditional Italian pizza has a thin crust and is lightly covered with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese, while American pizza has a thick crust and is topped with tomato sauce and plenty of shredded mozzarella cheese Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of total calories as fat is allowed in the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid?

Up to 35% Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of traditional Asian foods?

They feature large amounts of vegetables, rice, or noodles combined with small amounts of meat, fish, or shellfish. Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of the Asian Diet Pyramid?

It provides inadequate amounts of calcium from milk and milk products. Signup and view all the answers

How do traditional Chinese food preparation methods preserve the nutrients in fresh vegetables?

Through steaming and stir-frying, which keep vegetables crisp and colorful. Signup and view all the answers

What is a staple food in the traditional Japanese diet?

Rice. Signup and view all the answers

What is characteristic of the traditional diet on Okinawa?

It features fresh vegetables, minimal amounts of salt and animal protein, and moderate amounts of fat. Signup and view all the answers

What is a public health problem in areas of Japan where high sodium intake is common?

Hypertension. Signup and view all the answers

What was the dietary pattern of some Native Americans in the past?

They were hunter-gatherers, depending on wild vegetation, fish, and game for food. Signup and view all the answers

How do African heritage diets and Asian diets differ in terms of fat and sodium content?

African heritage diets are high in fat and sodium due to fried foods and salt-cured pork products, while Asian diets are generally low in fat and high in sodium. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common adaptation of Chinese cuisine in North American Chinese restaurants?

They offer menu items that contain larger portions of animal foods such as beef and chicken than authentic dishes. Signup and view all the answers

What type of cooking method is characteristic of traditional Chinese cooking?

Stir-frying. Signup and view all the answers

What was the traditional Native American diet characterized by?

Low in sodium and fat and high in fiber Signup and view all the answers

What health issues became prevalent among the Pima tribe after adopting a Western diet?

Obesity and type 2 diabetes Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the traditional Alaskan native diet?

Composed of fatty fish and sea mammals, game animals, and a few plants Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'kosher' in Jewish dietary laws?

A specific procedure concerning killing, butchering, and preparation activities that makes food acceptable for Jewish followers to eat Signup and view all the answers

In Jewish dietary laws, what is the rule regarding meat and dairy products?

They must be kept separate Signup and view all the answers

What are 'neutral' foods in Jewish dietary laws?

Fruits, grains, and vegetables Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for prohibited foods in Jewish dietary laws?

Tref (trayf) Signup and view all the answers

In Islam, what is prohibited for consumption?

Pork, birds of prey, reptiles, insects (except locusts), most gelatins, and alcohol-containing beverages Signup and view all the answers

What is a common practice in many religions regarding dietary practices?

Fasting Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the Mormon diet?

Avoidance of alcohol, coffee, and tea Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Influences on American Diets

Various ethnic and religious groups have shaped Americans' dietary patterns.
Traditional ethnic diets often focus on locally grown fruits, vegetables, and unrefined grains, with small amounts of animal foods.
However, these healthier food choices are often abandoned as immigrants assimilate into the general population, leading to an increased prevalence of chronic diseases.

Northwestern European Influences

Immigrants from northwestern Europe brought a "meat-and-potatoes" diet to America, featuring large portions of beef or pork with smaller portions of potatoes.
This mainstream American diet is high in animal protein and fat, and low in fruits, whole grains, and green vegetables, contributing to high rates of chronic diseases like CVD and type 2 diabetes.

Hispanic Influences

The traditional Mexican diet is based on corn, beans, avocados, and other plant foods, providing fiber, nutrients, and phytochemicals.
However, many "Mexican" fast-food restaurants in the US serve high-fat beef dishes with sour cream and American cheese, contributing to excess body fat, CVD, and type 2 diabetes.

Italian and Mediterranean Influences

The traditional Italian diet features pasta, olive oil, fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, making it a healthier alternative to the Western diet.
The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid recommends a diet rich in plant foods, with moderate amounts of seafood and poultry, and limited red meat and sugary foods.

African Heritage Influences

The traditional African-American diet includes sweet potato pie, fried chicken, pork, and "greens," but also contributes to high levels of fat and sodium.
Fried foods and salt-cured pork products increase the risk of obesity, hypertension, and other health problems.

Asian Influences

Traditional Asian diets, such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisines, feature large amounts of vegetables, rice, or noodles, with small amounts of meat, fish, or shellfish.
The Asian Diet Pyramid illustrates the importance of plant foods, with limited amounts of animal products and added fats.
Stir-frying is a common cooking method in traditional Chinese cuisine, helping to preserve vitamins and minerals in fresh vegetables.

Native American Influences

Traditional Native American diets were low in sodium and fat, and high in fiber, with a focus on wild vegetation, fish, and game.
Many Native Americans have abandoned their traditional diets in favor of the Western diet, leading to negative health effects like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Religious Influences

Many religions have strict food handling and dietary practices, including the prohibition of certain foods and beverages.
Examples include Jewish dietary laws (kosher), Buddhist and Hindu vegetarianism, and Islamic restrictions on pork and certain animal products.
These religious influences can shape an individual's dietary choices and overall health.

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Description

Explore how different ethnic and religious groups shape Americans' dietary habits and identify religion-based dietary restrictions.