Religious or cultural practices

Question 1

Islamic dietary practices

Answer 1

Muslim practices involve the restriction of certain foods from the diet. ‘Halal’ is the term used to describe all of the foods that can be eaten, whilst ‘Haraam’ is forbidden food and drink. Examples of Haraam food and drinks include pork, animals not slaughtered for religious reasons, and alcohol.

Question 2

Hindu dietary practices

Answer 2

Foods not permitted in Hindu religion include meat, fish, poultry and eggs. It is also important to be aware that Hindu holidays are feast days (for over 18’s only). Some Hindus will also fast on certain days and most follow a balanced, vegetarian diet.

Question 3

Judaism dietary practices

Answer 3

The foods that followers of Judaism are permitted to eat are referred to as ‘Kosher’ foods, meaning ‘fit for consumption’. Foods not considered kosher include dairy and meat products eaten in the same meal, foods containing gelatin, meat still containing blood, and animals deemed not pure including camels and pigs.

Question 4

Buddhist dietary practices

Answer 4

There are no forbidden foods in Buddhism. However most Buddhists are vegetarian, not eating meat because the killing and consumption of animals goes against their core values and beliefs. Buddhists don’t drink alcohol but will feast on the three festivals of Buddha.

Question 5

Christian dietary practices

Answer 5

Christian religions generally place few restrictions on the diet of their followers. Most Christians will eat both meat and vegetables and have no religious objection to eating either. Some may fast during the festival of Lent. Most religious dietary practices can still encourage a balanced approach to eating. Even though some foods are banned, all the required nutrients can still be consumed through a varied vegetarian diet.

Question 6

Socio-economic stats

Answer 6

Total cholesterol levels are highest in Europe (54% for both sexes), followed by America (48% both sexes). Lowest levels are reported to be in Africa (22.6%) and South East Asia (29.0%). Total cholesterol levels tend to increase according to income level, with over 50% of adults having raised cholesterol levels in higher income countries - more than double the level of low income countries.
America has the highest reported levels of obese and overweight individuals (62% for overweight in both sexes and 26% for obesity) and South East Asia has the lowest (14% for overweight in both sexes and 3% for obesity. The prevalence of overweight individuals more than doubles, and for obesity more than triples, in higher and upper middle income countries when compared to lower income countries