KNOW HOW & KNOWLEDGE

Glossary

Western diet

A dietary habit chosen by many people in developed countries, and increasingly in developing countries. It is characterized by high intakes of red meat, sugar, fat, salt, and refined grains. It typically contains high-fat dairy products, high-sugar drinks and desserts, fried foods, and eggs. The typical Western diet tends to contain 14–25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids.

Research has shown that people who eat lots of foods in the Western category have a 35 percent higher heart attack risk than those who ate less meat, eggs, and fried and salty foods (see also Mediterranean diet). In addition, chronic illnesses and health problems such as obesity, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cancer are thought to be either wholly or partially related to a Western diet.