A scoping review of Nepalese diet
- VernacularTitle:ネパール人の食事に関するスコーピングレビュー
- Author:
Megu NISHIKORI
1
;
Hanako IWASHITA
2
;
Tomohiko SUGISHITA
2
Author Information
- Keywords: Nepal; food; diet; carbohydrates; fat
- From:Journal of International Health 2022;37(3):87-99
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
- Abstract: Introduction This study examined the diets of Nepalese people at the food/dietary level and nutrient level using a scoping review method. We clarified the transition in nutritional balance between the traditional Nepalese diet, “dal bhat tarkari” and the modern diet and considered the impacts on health (especially diabetes).Method For the literature review, PubMed, Science Direct, and the Japanese database “Ichushi-web” were used, and 23 references that reported the Nepalese diet at food/diet and nutrient levels were adopted. Because no Nepal-specific indicators were available to assess the diet, we used the standards for healthy diet published by the WHO and Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.Results “Dal bhat tarkari” is a combination of beans, rice, and curry-flavored vegetables. At the food/diet level, we found more cereal content and less meat, legumes, vegetables, and fruit contents compared to the WHO reference values. In terms of nutrients, according to Japanese standards, it is high in carbohydrates and low in protein and fat. However, with the additional and increased intake of modern foods, the intake of carbohydrates and fats has become excessive. These excessive intakes, combined with inadequate vegetable intake in some seasons, can put people at risk for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).Conclusion “Dal bhat tarkari” has always tended to have a high percentage of carbohydrates, and the amount and quality of carbohydrates must be carefully monitored. It is important to understand the overall picture of the local diet and then consider a well-balanced diet with a good combination of legumes and meats as protein sources, vegetables, and fruits. Nepal is no different from other countries in that modern food is becoming more prevalent, and it is necessary to pay more attention to the combination of traditional and modern foods.
