Culturally Informed Dietary Approaches for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asians: An Evidence-Based Review.

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Public Health
• Cardiology

Background:

• South Asians (SAs) face higher cardiometabolic disease risk at lower BMI thresholds.
• Cardiovascular disease and diabetes rates are elevated in SAs below standard overweight BMI.
• Culturally adapted dietary interventions are crucial for SA risk reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide initial dietary guidance for the South Asian community.
• To review existing literature on dietary interventions for South Asians.
• To explore culturally relevant dietary strategies for cardiometabolic risk.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of English-language studies on dietary interventions in SA populations.
• Searches conducted using Ovid MEDLINE(R) ALL database.
• Study selection via title/abstract screening and reference review.

Main Results:

• Whole, minimally processed plant-based diets and reduced refined carbs improved weight, BMI, lipids, and glycemic control.
• Recommended patterns included non-starchy vegetables, plant proteins (lentils), and whole grains.
• Intermittent fasting (time-restricted eating, 5:2 diet) improved insulin sensitivity and aligned with SA traditions.

Conclusions:

• Dietary interventions incorporating cultural South Asian food practices enhance adherence.
• Culturally tailored diets show potential for reducing cardiometabolic risk in SAs.
• Further research is needed to understand SA dietary diversity; public health should prioritize education and early intervention.