Nutrition in the West vs. Nutrition in the East

No two areas of the world are as different as the East and the West. While many influences have crossed over from year to year, there are still many traditional ways of living that are maintained by both. Nutrition is one of them. Over the past few years, the West has learned a lot about nutrition based on the way people in the East have thrived for centuries if not longer.

In the West it’s all about doctors, specialists, nutritionists, and others in the medical field who take a more scientific and clinical approach to nutrition. The food pyramid was established in the West, with generations of children and adults following its guidelines. The fascination with fitness and celebrities make women young and old clamor to find out what the latest fad diet is. Because of the obsession with looking and feeling good well into middle age and beyond, many Westerners look for the next “it” skincare or anti-aging product. Many learn how to provide their bodies with the right nutrients, attend the gym regularly, and are devoted to pilates and yoga. So what makes the West so different from the East in its approach to nutrition and healthy living?

In the East, it’s all about treating your body as a temple. Those in the East stick tried and true to ancient dishes that are free from excess sugar, junk foods, frozen meals, and overly processed foods. Of course these goodies from the West can be found in many Eastern countries but for the average family, the meals remain unchanged for many years. The East embraces everything grown from the Earth. Japan is widely known to have some of the oldest individuals alive. It is because of their traditional and alternative approach to nutrition, dedication to nature, and knowledge of one’s body that they continue to produce so many healthy people - from childhood until the elderly years. Additionally, in the East, the general public not only respects the elderly, they celebrate them. Whereas in the West, getting older is something to be afraid of, those in the East accept the fact that the body ages and even throw festivals to celebrate their elderly members of society. How differently things would be if the West shared this outlook!

Unfortunately, for the West, everyone is on the go. With routines, schedules and activities that need to be completed, it gets hard for both young and old to maintain healthy habits. For a majority, the lack of time plays heavily into why many Westerners are obese or well in their way. With the temptation of fast food restaurants on every corner and home cooked meals becoming rare in the average household, sticking to a nutritious and healthy eating regimen is easier said than done. Instead of the necessary fruits, veggies and supplements, Westerners fall prey to starches, fats, too many carbs and greasy foods. In the East, the majority of the public still enjoys home cooked foods, prepared with natural ingredients. Tea is a staple beverage in the East, accounting for a bounty of antioxidants, flavanoids and scores of other wonderful properties. Sushi and other seafood meals are tasty, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and are free of preservatives and artificial flavors, while other countries utilize rich spices.

While the West can never become the East and vice-versa, there is a lot to be learned from the Eastern world in terms of nutrition and health. Only time will tell if the West can learn to find its roots for a healthier future the way the East has since the beginning of time.