Diet and Heart Disease Related Risk Factors among South Asians Living in the Netherlands
Heart diseases are the leading cause of death in world among all communicable and non communicable diseases. South Asian countries have one of the highest prevalence of heart diseases. South Asians living in western countries have shown higher prevalence of heart diseases and related risk factors as compared to the local population. In addition, South Asians have highest risk for developing heart disease at a younger age as compared to other ethnic groups. Diet is an important lifestyle factor contributing to the increased risk of heart diseases. The traditional South Asian diet generally consists of high fibre and healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, rice, beans, meat, legumes, fish and nuts; though it varies by region within Asia. Migration and acculturation are associated with changes in chronic disease patterns. The existing literary evidence points to unfavourable dietary change among South Asians after migration to western countries and thus an elevated risk of coronary heart disease and diabetes type 2.