Tag: Polynesian food

According to the World Bank, in 2018, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Samoa, largely attributed to dietary changes, was among the highest in the world, with NCDs causing 70% of deaths. This highlights the significant health impact of the evolving Samoan diet.

Polynesians have used noni fruit for over 2,000 years, often for traditional medicine and, historically, as a famine food, due to its powerful, cheese-like odor and bitter taste. While the fruit is technically edible in its raw, ripened state, its strong and unpleasant characteristics often deter modern consumption.

According to a 2017 study, Samoans are undergoing a nutritional transition, with a shift away from traditional foods. This major dietary change fundamentally alters what is the Samoan diet, moving from reliance on local agricultural staples to imported, processed foods.