NURS 240 Chapter 11- Cultural and Religious Influences on Food and Nutrition

What are some objectives of studying cultural and religious influences on food and nutrition?

To suggest ways to eat healthy while eating out, describe characteristics of traditional food practices, discuss nutrition-related health concerns, explain changes in food choices due to acculturation, and summarize dietary laws of major world religions.

How does culture influence food and nutrition?

Culture influences what is considered edible, the role of food, how food is prepared, and the symbolic use of food.

What is unique about American cuisine?

It is a melting pot of foods from various immigrant cultures and includes diverse cooking methods.

What are convenience foods?

Products that save time in food preparation, ranging from bagged salad mixes to frozen meals.

What impact do convenience foods have on health?

They tend to be high in sodium and may impact time, budget, and nutritional value.

What best describes the typical American diet?

It is difficult to define.

What are core foods in a diet?

Core foods provide a significant source of calories and are regularly included in the diet.

What distinguishes secondary foods from core foods?

Secondary foods are widely consumed but not on a daily basis.

What do peripheral foods refer to?

Peripheral foods are eaten sporadically and are based on individual preferences.

What does culture determine about food?

Culture determines what is considered edible and inedible.

What are some symbolic uses of food in different cultures?

To express love, to reward or punish, to display piety, and to demonstrate belongingness to a group.

What is dietary acculturation?

It occurs when the eating patterns of people moving change to resemble those of the host country.

What is a common health concern associated with dietary acculturation?

Increased risk of chronic diseases and obesity.

How do health beliefs vary among cultures?

Each culture has a unique perspective on life, health, and illness, shaping body image and food choices.

What trends are observed in dietary acculturation between first and second-generation Americans?

First-generation individuals adhere closely to their cultural food patterns, while second-generation may adopt new practices.

What is the importance of cultural competence in nursing care?

It facilitates nutrition care that is consistent with individual attitudes, beliefs, and values.

Which ethnic groups are projected to comprise 50% of the U.S. population by 2044?

Minority groups include African Americans, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian Americans, and others.

What are traditional food practices of African Americans?

Soul food, which is often high in fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

What are notable health problems in the African American community?

Higher rates of diet-related diseases like hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes.

Which traditional diet is characterized by low-fat, high-fiber foods?

The traditional Mexican diet.

What dietary practices are common in traditional Hispanic cultures?

Emphasis on low-fat, high-fiber foods with a focus on complex carbohydrates.

What beliefs about health are common in Mexican traditional culture?

Health is viewed as a gift from God and illness is seen as inevitable.

What are common dietary practices among Asian Americans?

Emphasis on rice and vegetables, with low meat consumption.

How do health beliefs relate to yin and yang in Asian cultures?

Health and illness are related to the balance of yin and yang forces in the body.

What dietary restrictions do Orthodox Jews follow?

They adhere strictly to kosher dietary laws.

What is the difference between halal and haram in Islam?

Halal refers to permitted foods; haram refers to prohibited foods.

What does ahimsa mean in Hinduism?

Nonviolence as applied to foods.

Why do most Buddhists follow a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet?

Due to the principle of ahimsa, prohibiting harm to living beings.

What dietary practice is common among Seventh-Day Adventists?

Most are lacto-ovo vegetarians and avoid overeating.

What is the significance of food and religion in regards to dietary practices?

Religion impacts food habits significantly, often more than nationality or culture.

What is the influence of convenience foods on the current diet trends?

Driven by expediency and ease; often lower in nutritional quality.

How can food practices change as individuals acculturate?

New foods may be added while some traditional foods are replaced or rejected.

What questions should be asked to understand an individual's acculturation?

Ask about native foods consumed, foods no longer eaten, and new foods introduced.

Which group has the highest rates of morbidity and mortality from diet-related diseases?

African Americans.

What role does culture play in food symbolism?

It defines significance assigned to foods for celebration, comfort, or identity.

What is soul food?

A traditional African American cuisine high in fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

What dietary laws do Orthodox Jews abide by?

Kosher laws that dictate clean vs. unclean foods and preparation methods.

What dietary practices do Mormons follow?

Avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, and tobacco; eat mostly grains.

What is a core principle in the dietary practices of Hindus?

Avoiding foods that inhibit physical and spiritual development.

What is a health belief common to all cultures?

Health beliefs shape food choices and dietary practices.

How does cultural identity relate to traditional food practices?

Traditional foods often serve as symbols of cultural identity and heritage.

What nutritional problems are associated with Latinx individuals?

Increased prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.

What beverages are prohibited in the dietary practices of most Seventh-Day Adventists?

Coffee, tea, and alcohol.

What do cultural beliefs about food often determine?

Acceptability, preparation, and symbolic meaning of food items.

What is a common factor affecting food choices in various cultural groups?

Socioeconomic status and geographic location.

How does the traditional Mexican diet reflect its cultural influences?

Rich in complex carbohydrates and vegetable proteins, influenced by Spanish and Native American cultures.

What factor skewers the typical understanding of what defines a diet?

The immense variability and diversity within cultural food practices.

What two food sources are considered staple in Asian diets?

Rice and vegetables.

What does the term 'melting pot' signify in the context of American cuisine?

A blend of various immigrant cuisines adapted over time.

What are the three primary branches of Christianity regarding dietary practices?

Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and Protestantism.

Which dietary practice is common in the diets of Asian Americans?

A focus on grains and cooking techniques with meticulous ingredient preparation.

Name a significant health issue among Asian Americans.

Higher risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

What is dietary law significance in Judaism?

It dictates how food is prepared and consumed according to religious beliefs.

What constitutes halal foods?

Foods that are permissible under Islamic dietary laws.

What concept is essential in understanding health beliefs across cultures?

The idea that cultures have different perspectives on health and illness.

Describe the dietary influence of Mexican culture on food practices.

Mexican diets emphasize corn, beans, and a low-fat, high-fiber regimen.

What aspect of food does Maslow’s hierarchy of needs denote?

Food and nutrition are considered basic necessities of life.

What is an important consideration when discussing American dietary trends?

Nutritional quality tends to be lower for food consumed away from home.

How do the dietary laws of Islam affect food consumption?

Muslims see eating as an act of worship and follow specific dietary guidelines.