Western diet

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The Western diet is a dietary pattern that is common in many Western countries, including the United States, Canada, and much of Europe. This dietary pattern is characterized by high levels of processed and refined foods, red meat, and saturated fats, and is associated with a high prevalence of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Fast food

Characteristics of the Western diet

 
Differences between Mediterranean diet and Western diet

The Western diet is typically high in:

  • Processed and refined foods: These foods are often high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and are low in fiber and other important nutrients.
  • Red meat: Red meat is a major source of saturated fats, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases.
  • Saturated fats: Saturated fats are found in many animal products, such as butter, cheese, and fatty meats.
  • Sugar: The Western diet is often high in added sugars, which can contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, and other health problems.
  • Salt: The Western diet is often high in salt, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health problems.

The Western diet is often low in:

  • Fruits and vegetables: The Western diet is often lacking in fruits and vegetables, which are important sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
  • Whole grains: The Western diet is often lacking in whole grains, which are important sources of fiber and other important nutrients.
  • Lean proteins: The Western diet is often high in red meat and other sources of saturated fats, and low in lean proteins such as fish and poultry.

Health effects of the Western diet

The Western diet has been linked to a number of health problems, including:

  • Heart disease: The high levels of saturated fats and added sugars in the Western diet can increase the risk of heart disease.
  • Type 2 diabetes: The Western diet can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, as it is often high in sugar and other refined carbohydrates.
  • Obesity: The Western diet is often high in calories and low in nutrients, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
  • Cancer: The Western diet has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including colon and breast cancer.
  • Inflammation: The Western diet can increase levels of inflammation in the body, which is associated with a number of chronic diseases.
 
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Basic types Omnivore diet, Plant-based diet
Regional diets Western diet, Mediterranean diet
Sustainable diets Low carbon diet, Planetary health diet
Religious diets Buddhist diet, Christian diet, Hindu diet, Islamic diet, Jain diet, Jewish diet, Rastafari diet, Sikh diet
Vegetarianism and veganism Fruitarianism diet, Meat analogue diet, Milk substitute diet, Raw vegan diet, Tofu diet
Semi-vegetarianism Ovo-lacto vegetarianism, Pescetarian diet, Pollotarian diet
Supplement diets Bodybuilding supplements, Meal replacement diet, Therapeutic food diet
Non-solid diets Liquid diets, Very-low-calorie diet
Specific Calorie restriction diet, Cardiac diet, Diabetic diet, Fluid restriction diet, Gluten-free diet, Gluten-free and casein-free diet, Intermittent fasting diet, Low-sodium diet, Low-FODMAP diet, Low-carbohydrate diet, Low-fat diet, Low-fiber/low-residue diet, Monotrophic diet, NPO diet, Renal diet, Soft diet, Specific carbohydrate diet
Other diets Entomophagy diet, Cotton ball diet, Pica diet, DASH diet, Inuit diet, MIND diet, Time-restricted feeding diet, Raw foodism diet, U.S. military diet
Fad diets Cambridge diet, Macrobiotic diet, Master Cleanse diet, Junk food diet, Superfood diet, Slow-Carb diet
List of diets Diet food, Diet, Cuisine, Nutrition, Obesity

Also see

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