Globalization of Diets and Risk of Noncommunicable Diseases

Economic growth and affluence are associated with an increase in the intake of total and saturated fat, and trans fat, as well as animal foods. Economic development also allows the people to consume ready prepared refined foods; snacks, beverages, and major meals with high glycemic index. These foods are characteristic of a Western diet, i.e., deficient in micronutrients; vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids, but they are high in refined carbohydrates, fat (saturated, trans fat, and linoleic acid) and salt compared to the prudent diet. Globalization of the Western diet is associated with the emergence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs); cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, cancer, liver and gastrointestinal diseases, bone and joint diseases, degenerative diseases of brain, and psychological disorders. NCDs come in a wave, first they occur to affluent populations with high income and those who are becoming rich during economic growth of the developing countries such as India, China, Indonesia. After learning the methods of prevention, there is a decline in NCDs in affluent and educated populations. Population health education that occurs with further economic growth is associated with the globalization of prudent diets, resulting in a decline in NCDs which has already started in the high-income countries, such as United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Northern Europe, Mediterranean countries, Australia, and New Zealand. Grains are specifically very high in carbohydrates and omega-6 fatty acids but low in proteins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids as compared to prudent foods: vegetables, fruits, pulses and nuts. Globalization of prudent diets may be associated with a decline in the NCDs as well as in health promotion.