Development of a Samoan nutrition exchange list using culturally accepted foods.
Samoans are known to be the most overweight population in the world. They suffer from high rates of weight-related diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. In the past, dietary intervention has either been nonexistent or reliant on food exchange lists that do not include foods traditionally part of a Samoan diet. Therefore, exchange lists specific for Samoan foods were developed. A literature search, personal interviews, and site visits at local grocery stores and village homes were conducted to determine what foods are common to the Samoan diet. These foods and recipes were then computer-analyzed. Foods that are high sources of vitamins A and C, sodium, and fat are also high-lighted in the Samoan exchange lists. The Samoan exchange lists are now being distributed worldwide to health care professionals who work with Samoan clients. An ongoing effort is being made to revise and update this tool so that Samoans can eat foods familiar to them, and in doing so, better manage their diet-related problems.
Shovic
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Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu 96822.
D003469:Culture; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D014905:Independent State of Samoa; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000208:ethnology