Indeed, sushi is a symbol of cultural heritage since it is defined by all parameters linked to the Japanese people, ranging from religion to beliefs, geographical area, and personal attributes. The Japanese art of sushi is conservative and defines the feeding habits of the ancient Japanese. This art has remained inertia to the changing times and remains a symbol of Japanese cultural heritage. Raw food is not my favorite, especially when I think of the probability that I may suffer from foodborne illnesses. Raw fish is a hub for disease-causing pathogens like the Vibrio choleraeNon-O1 and especially for particular types of fish. I cannot even imagine eating raw fish since I am used to well-cooked and seasoned fish. In addition, I am a person who embraces variety, and the fact that sushi is predominantly made from fish, rice, and vegetables may turn out to be a boring experience for me.
It is amazing how the Japanese incorporate their culture into their feeding habits. The samurai sword for example is an important legendary artefact that the Japanese use while cooking. The sushi is a healthy dish compared with the modern day diets. While the sushi is balanced, contains less saturated fat, and is minimally exposed to environmental contaminants, a majority of the modern diets are the opposite of this. Fish is an example of white meat, and in comparison to the red meat, it is very healthy because it contains essential fatty acids that are not available from any other source: the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This could be the reason why the Asian people and the Japanese are great inventors. The two essential fatty acids play a great role in brain development.
Food Culture Interview
The Vietnamese diet is characterized by herbs, and I love it. This gives food a less spicy taste, and it does not mean that the food is less delicious. Vietnamese diet is very appealing to the eyes due to its variety. I would really love to try this diet because it is commensurate with my preferences and taste. Symbolic meanings attached to food are important because they give individuals a kind of identity. In comparison to the modern American diet, the Vietnamese do not control their portion sizes while eating due to the sharing. Food is readily available and one eats without taking note of the portion sizes. In addition, a large section of the Vietnamese diet consists of fat and carbohydrates as opposed to the American diet that has been modified to include more of vegetables and fruits and less of fats and carbohydrates. This is important to reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases and promote overall health.
The manner in which the Vietnamese take their diets is beneficial to individuals because it entails creation of a friendly atmosphere. It is perceived that sharing a meal with friends creates a less stressing environment where one can laugh and relax. This sharing creates a culture of sharing life’s burdens as well and this is associated with good stress management strategies. I find eating out in line with the Vietnamese culture a little bit off because it may limit one’s preferences. In addition, food may be prepared differently from the way it is prepared in the house. However, if this is done occasionally, then it may not have much effect on the feeding habits of the Vietnamese.
Food and Religion
I believe that whatever I eat should be for the sake of my own health. However, prior to this is religion. Despite the fact that one may try to refute it, religion plays a great role in influencing what one eats due to the supposed divine consequences that are greatly feared. When I was young, I was also of the view that all mammals that chew cud and that have a cloven foot were religiously fit for consumption as opposed to the converse of this. In the same way, I regarded birds that prey as unclean and could not be eaten such as the vulture. However, now I am of a totally different opinion. I respect God, and I have a strong reverence for Him. But, with the coming of Jesus, most laws of the Old Testament were reviewed. Now, I believe that individuals have the right to choose what to eat and what not to eat on their own free will without the influence of religion should.
An analysis, however, at the current religious rules that govern food consumption shows the contrast between religion and what science is seeking to advocate, solely because religion does not factor in physical health. In some of the religious festivals, what are deemed as unhealthy feeding practices and habits are evident like emphasis on oil during cooking, and consumption of alcohol—lots of it. Every religion consists of some rules that govern people’s feeding habits. I am of the view that religion should not dictate what people eat. Religion should serve its main purpose, that is, to draw people closer to God because what one eats or does not eat does not define his or her spiritual life. Religion gives us a sense of belonging, and what we eat determines whether we lead a healthy life or not.
Traditional Health Beliefs and Practices
Biomedicine is a convenient mode of treatment that allows individuals to get treated using the current scientific technology. Biomedicine is very factual and does not pay attention to emotional and social parameters, which I believe are equally paramount in treating illnesses. Culture is however a key determinant of access to medical services while considering the etiology of illness. The American culture in as far as the belief system is concerned is domineering and promotes control over nature. It is no doubt that nature and science interact to strike a balance in people’s lives. We all are unaware of what really happens to us when we die and health practitioners just do what is humanly possible to prolong life. The body consists of different parts (soul, body and mind) that all work together for the attainment of overall good health.
We have heard of cases when the medical practitioner says that they have done their best and can only leave the rest to chance. Healing beyond science has been witnessed in various occasions and that is why one cannot leave out the spiritual and natural factors in treatment. I believe that man is able to connect to some abstract spiritual and natural world to seek help when giving treatment. One cannot overlook the existence of supernatural powers because they are very much real. Sometimes, one gets sick and no amount of biomedical intervention is enough to save him or her. In such a case, people seek other alternatives to redress the illness. Before conventional medicine came up, ancient mankind used natural, social and supernatural healing to cure, and I do not believe that this has changed. The forces beyond biomedicine that healed then can also heal now if utilized appropriately.
North and South Europeans
The serving of large portions of protein foods does not yield extra benefits beyond that which is obtained from just adequate protein. Protein foods are not stored in the body, but instead overwork the body in the excretion of nitrogenous wastes. I am a little bit surprised knowing the Mediterranean diet, one of the best diets, originates from the Mediterranean countries where France is part. In contrast to a healthy diet, the French people in the North and South central believe in the consumption of fatty food and little exercise. This is a predisposing risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes type 2 and cancer. The French in the South are an example of a healthy lifestyle since they follow the Mediterranean diet. A positive attitude and rigorous exercise are deemed healthy factors towards the attainment of good health. Strong black tea is a common beverage for Great Britain and Ireland though it has no nutritional benefits; in fact, it interferes with the absorption of some important nutrients.
The traditional perception of a healthy life comprises of personal behaviour, nutrition and safe environment. However, it is ironical on what is deemed a healthy diet by the Northern and Southern Europeans. Most of the foods embraced by these people are fast foods with a lot of fat and sugar, which should be sparingly consumed as per the recommended guidelines. Delicacies like French fries, cakes, soda, cream are unhealthy choices of foods. Offals, which have been found to have less fat and nutritious in provision of iron, are discarded in Great Britain and Ireland. This is why I am insisting that beliefs and culture should prioritize people’s health because Jesus brought the new gospel to vindicate us.
Central Europeans
In the contemporary society, it is inarguably true that women play a major role in global economic development. There is nothing wrong with women caring for the family, but men have failed to accept the current empowerment of women. As a result, there are fewer families. The diet of Central Europeans is more or less similar to that of the Northern and Southern Europeans; it contains more of the animal products and especially fats. It also contains a lot of sugar and less starch and vegetables. The manner in which the Central Europeans use their food for therapeutic reasons is really interesting because much of the food deemed unhealthy is used. Colic is mainly prevalent among a few weeks old infants and giving them tea seems bizarre.
The beauty of the world is the presence of different cultures. Despite the fact that it is wise to respect other people’s culture since that is what gives one an identity, cultures should also have value for mankind. Central Europeans consist of different cultures with subtle differences. There are very many taboos that impede the normal cohesion of individuals in a society. The sanctions and taboos related to particular behaviours are really not necessary. For example the segregation of Gypsies and non-Gypsies; I believe the entire human race is one with God as the Father. Despite our differences in culture and belief systems, I am of the opinion that no single culture is superior to the rest. Therefore, when illnesses are attributed to contamination as a result of contact with outsiders, it seems far-fetched and discriminatory. The fact that the Gypsies breathe shared air is something they should consider because air is what gives us life and if they share air with the non-Gypsies, then there is no reason why they should hold contempt for others.