By Mark Fergusson
Chief Vegetarian Officer, Chief Executive Officer
Down to Earth ALL VEGETARIAN Organic & Natural
Honolulu, HI (21 June 2012) – Researchers believe that the traditional Asian diet provides protection against many chronic diseases and contributes to long life spans because it is mainly a plant-based diet consisting of locally grown staple grains, starchy roots, legumes, and other vegetables and fruits. Meat is treated as a side dish rather than the main course. The traditional Asian diet is considered healthy because many chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers are much more prevalent in the Western Hemisphere than Asia.
However, recently diet-related diseases are increasing in Asian countries as Western meat-based diets grow more popular. According to the International Food Policy Research Institute, in 1995, diet-related chronic diseases in China accounted for 41.6% of all deaths and this figure is expected to increase to 52% by 2025. The trend is similar for other Asian nations. Consumption
of processed and fast foods, which are largely meat-based, is a growing concern in Asia because it can lead to chronic diseases such as obesity, adult-onset diabetes, hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease, and cancer. Meat-based foods are full of excess sugar, sodium and saturated fats which are not healthy if consumed too frequently. With obesity being a major public health concern in Asia, it is vital to consider our daily diets. Maybe a return to a traditional plant-based Asian diet may be just what the doctor ordered?
The power is in your hands to choose what you eat and feed your families. The best wisdom on nutrition has been developed by millions of families across the Asian region cooking traditional plant-based meals for centuries. If you’re not sure what diet is best for you, ask your grandparents. Chances are, they know what’s best for you!