MOST people nowadays are aware that they need to eat a variety of foods, moderate their fat intake and exercise more. Messages on healthy lifestyles have found their way into school programmes, newspapers, magazines and even the workplace.
Dietary guidelines are one of the main ways in which governments have tried to promote healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease and certain cancers. The guidelines are suggestions for people to follow based on nutritional needs, food supplies, eating habits and cultural beliefs. Let’s take a look at dietary guidelines in various Asian countries and throughout the rest of the world.