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?
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What is the typical way potatoes are prepared in the modern 'Western' diet?
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What is associated with the 'Western' diet?
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What happens to the healthy eating practices of immigrants as they assimilate into the general population?
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What is a common feature of restaurants in the United States?
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What is the largest ethnic minority group in the United States?
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What are the traditional staple foods of the Mexican diet?
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What is the core of the traditional Italian diet?
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What is the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid based on?
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What type of fat is olive oil a rich source of?
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What is a common way that greens are cooked in traditional African-American cuisine?
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What is a traditional African-American dish that incorporates sweet potatoes?
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Why do many non-Hispanic Americans not like to eat traditional Mexican meals?
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What is the difference between traditional Italian pizza and the pizza commonly consumed in the United States?
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What percentage of total calories as fat is allowed in the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid?
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What is a common characteristic of traditional Asian foods?
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What is a limitation of the Asian Diet Pyramid?
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How do traditional Chinese food preparation methods preserve the nutrients in fresh vegetables?
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What is a staple food in the traditional Japanese diet?
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What is characteristic of the traditional diet on Okinawa?
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What is a public health problem in areas of Japan where high sodium intake is common?
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What was the dietary pattern of some Native Americans in the past?
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How do African heritage diets and Asian diets differ in terms of fat and sodium content?
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What is a common adaptation of Chinese cuisine in North American Chinese restaurants?
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What type of cooking method is characteristic of traditional Chinese cooking?
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What was the traditional Native American diet characterized by?
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What health issues became prevalent among the Pima tribe after adopting a Western diet?
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What is a characteristic of the traditional Alaskan native diet?
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What is the significance of 'kosher' in Jewish dietary laws?
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In Jewish dietary laws, what is the rule regarding meat and dairy products?
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What are 'neutral' foods in Jewish dietary laws?
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What is the term for prohibited foods in Jewish dietary laws?
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In Islam, what is prohibited for consumption?
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What is a common practice in many religions regarding dietary practices?
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What is a characteristic of the Mormon diet?
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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.