From Quasi-Vegetarians to Quasi-Carnivores: The Changing Diet of Iranians

Abstract

Until the twentieth century there was little change in the diet of Iranians. Bread was the major staple, accompanied by vegetables, fruits, yoghurt, and nuts. Meat and rice were a luxury food for most consumers. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries new food items were adopted by Persian consumers. After 1970, the modern Iranian diet—large amounts of white rice, meats, sugar-sweetened beverages and sweet/deserts, with few vegetables, herbs, nuts or fruits—has grown increasingly similar to the US diet, with the same health problems.

Modified Mediterranean diet v. traditional Iranian diet: efficacy of dietary interventions on dietary inflammatory index score, fatigue severity and disability in multiple sclerosis patients

“…In a case-control study, conducted by Jahromi et al (44) , the traditional dietary pattern was inversely related to the risk of RRMS; however, high amounts of red/organ meat in the TID can lead to both neurodegeneration and autoimmune disorders (45) . Indeed, it must be noted that nutritional transition in Iran has resulted in a change in TID, which must be considered in further research (43,46) ; however, the control group adhered to the prescribed TID, as defined in the present study.…”

“…Iranian dietary intervention studies typically use TID as the control diet [11,41,42]. TID (low in low-fat dairy products, whole grains; high in red meats, solid oils, refined grains, and moderate legumes, fruits and vegetables) is the most prevalent diet in Iran, and has both positive and negative health-related aspects [43]. In a case-control study, conducted by Jahromi et al…”

“…Iranian dietary intervention studies typically use TID as the control diet (11,41,42) . TID (low in low-fat dairy products, whole grains; high in red meats, solid oils, refined grains and moderate legumes, fruits and vegetables) is the most prevalent diet in Iran and has both positive and negative health-related aspects (43) . In a case-control study, conducted by Jahromi et al (44) , the traditional dietary pattern was inversely related to the risk of RRMS; however, high amounts of red/organ meat in the TID can lead to both neurodegeneration and autoimmune disorders (45) .…”

Protective effect of provitamin A dietary carotenoid intake on overweight/obesity and their relation to inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers – a case-control study

“…81,82 In addition, dietary patterns in Iran have shifted from traditional Iranian diets towards western diets similar to the US diet. 83 Finally, although several confounders were adjusted for in the models, there is a possibility for residual confounding.…”