Tag: Cultural norms

Controversy surrounding Swami Vivekananda's dietary choices has persisted for decades, with many surprised to learn he was not a strict vegetarian. Historical accounts confirm that Vivekananda did eat non-vegetarian food, particularly fish, which was common in his native Bengal and when he traveled abroad. This fact challenges modern perceptions and underscores his practical, non-dogmatic approach to spiritual life.

According to a 2016 study, a genetic variant associated with increased body mass index (BMI) is carried by nearly half of all Samoans, influencing more efficient fat storage. However, a complex mix of genetics, traditional diet, lifestyle shifts, and cultural norms combine to contribute to the large and powerful physiques often seen in Samoan people.

According to a 2023 study published in the journal *Frontiers in Nutrition*, women are more likely to consume fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, foods often socially constructed as feminine. Historically and culturally, certain items and preparation styles have been assigned a feminine identity, creating the intriguing question: What foods are considered feminine and why?

While dairy from cows, goats, and sheep is common, mare's milk remains a niche product in most of the world. There are many reasons why humans do not drink horse milk, ranging from biological and nutritional factors to historical and cultural norms that have shaped our dietary habits for millennia.

While a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 is clinically considered a 'normal' weight range, the subjective perception of what body is considered slim is far more complex and varies widely across cultures and individuals.

Despite a significant surge in interest and popularity, with some estimates putting the global vegan population at just over 1%, the vast majority of people choose not to follow a vegan diet. Understanding why are most people not vegan requires looking beyond simple dietary choices to examine deep-seated psychological, social, and cultural factors.

According to a 2021 Global Nutrition Report, the global average intake of red and processed meat is nearly five times higher than recommended, while fruit and vegetable intake falls significantly short. This stark imbalance highlights how powerful and varied environmental factors profoundly shape our dietary choices.

While many view eating a snack on the street as a modern necessity, cultural norms and health perspectives offer a more nuanced view on the question: is it permissible to eat while walking?. The answer varies significantly depending on location and context, from being widely accepted to deeply frowned upon.

According to a 2018 FAO report, 75% of individuals around the globe reported that cultural traditions significantly influence their food choices. This highlights the profound, deeply personal connection that exists between an individual's background and the food on their plate, a relationship that is far more complex than simple preference or nutrient intake.

According to one study, participants eating in environments with 'meal cues' consumed 27.9% more calories than those in 'snack cue' settings, revealing that hunger is influenced by far more than just biology. What we eat, when, and how much is a complex interaction of psychological, cultural, and situational triggers that often override our body's natural signals.