A historical exploration of Indian diets and a possible link to insulin resistance syndrome

Abstract

Background: Insulin resistance syndrome, especially with diabetes, is becoming increasingly prevalent in India. The increasing consumption of low-fibre and refined carbohydrates is thought to be related to the increased risk of insulin resistance syndrome.

Aim: The aim was to study the history of eating behaviours in India; the patterns (macronutrients, frequency, and quantity) of food consumption amongst ancient, medieval and modern Indians; and the evolution of a primarily low-fibre and refined-carbohydrate diet.

Methods: The ancient dietary laws of India, historical documents, and ancient and medieval literature and poetry, spanning more than 2000 years, were studied. These data were compared with modern diets among people of different geographical regions, religions and social strata using the National Nutritional Database of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for analysis.

Conclusions: The data presented shows a gradual shift over the centuries from the Pastoral Age diet of large quantities of high-fibre carbohydrates, small amounts of digestible carbohydrates, moderate fats, moderate proteins, to an increasing and frequent intake of high-fibre carbohydrates associated with significant drop in protein and fat consumption between 1775 and 1947. From 1947 onwards there has been an increase in the frequency of intake and quantities of low-fibre and refined carbohydrates, and fats with protein intake improving only marginally.

Keywords: Aryan Veda food; Ascetic Sannyasi Yogi Jogi food; Brahmins non vegetarian Animal sacrifice; Carbohydrate; Caste food diabetes insulin resistance syndrome; Culture India food; Diabetes; Faith diabetes insulin resistance syndrome; Famine India; Food security Bill; God India food; Gotra India genetics; Hindu food diabetes insulin resistance syndrome; Human behaviour and food diabetes insulin resistance syndrome; INDIAN philosophy and food diabetes insulin resistance syndrome; Insulin resistance syndrome; Intermittent fasting food diabetes insulin resistance syndrome; Jain food diabetes insulin resistance syndrome; Vegetarian food diabetes insulin resistance syndrome; Yoga diet food diabetes insulin resistance syndrome.