Recent research published in Advances in Nutrition has shed light on the growing shift from traditional diets to processed foods, a change that is contributing to increasing health problems, including diabetes. Traditional diets, which are rooted in cultural practices and typically involve fresh, home-cooked meals, are being displaced by the convenience of processed foods. The study reviewed the components of traditional diets from Latin American, Asian, and African cultures, noting that these diets are naturally balanced and nutrient-rich.
Many diabetes advocates feel that as work environments become more demanding and people have less time to prepare meals, while packaged foods are becoming cheaper and more easily accessible, the shift toward processed foods is accelerating. This “nutrition transition” is worsening health disparities, especially among racial and ethnic communities who already face challenges in accessing healthy food options. Earlier studies have revealed that lower income households purchase less healthful foods. The same perspective is upheld by the Food Ethics Council.
The research underscores the importance of preserving traditional diets, not just for their nutritional value, but also for their cultural significance. Yet, the reality is that without systemic support, it is becoming increasingly difficult for individuals to maintain these diets in their daily lives. This is where the role of parliamentarians becomes crucial. They have the power to enact policies that can make it easier for people to access and afford healthy, traditional foods, that promote work-life balance, making it more feasible for people to prepare healthy meals at home. There is a need for regulations that limit the availability of processed foods in public spaces and for investment in public health campaigns that educate people about the benefits of traditional diets.
For diabetes advocates, this research provides a valuable opportunity to engage with policymakers on the importance of preserving traditional diets as a means to combat the growing prevalence of diet-related health conditions.
Advocacy Action: What do you think are some of the policies that can be adopted by governments to promote a shift towards healthier, traditional, home cooked diets? Do you think that public awareness campaigns can show promising results? Should policies be put in place to limit the amount of sugar, salt and other ingredients affecting health in processed foods? Can a healthy work-life balance aid in bringing about a shift towards cultural diets?
Engage with your representatives to discuss your views on how systematic support for healthier lifestyles can help reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes.