Eating Habits Around the World: Lessons in Health and Culture

Dining and dietary practices are one of the most fascinating things to explore concerning lessons in health and culture. That is because many dining practices go beyond just eating in style. They form a base for a cultural identity as well as variety.

In other words, some eating habits represent a lot. It tells what people value regarding nutrition, health, and moral conviction. Stay tuned; we’re excited to give you an overview of the most exciting eating habits worldwide.

Bare Hand Feasting

Eating with bare hands is one of the most common but interesting eating habits worldwide. While this practice is becoming common in many countries, it is most famous in India and some Middle Eastern regions. Bare hand feasting is precisely what it sounds like. It involves eating different dishes without cutlery assistance but with the fingers alone.

Usually, the question that comes to mind is why? Why would people choose not to use any cutleries in eating meals, as it is in modern practice? Well, the answers mainly lie in preference. However, there are also a couple of explanations that have now become widely accepted. Let’s highlight a few.

Cultural Beliefs

Typically, the most recognized reason for barehand feasting is a string of cultural beliefs. For instance, the Indians believe that eating with the fingers increases your consciousness towards the meal. In other words, it is held that your mindfulness towards the taste, texture, and other elements of a meal increases when you dine with your fingers.

Hands Are Considered More Hygienic Than Cutleries

Sounds contradictory, right? Not entirely. Many cultures practicing barehand feasting believe using their fingers fosters better hygiene than spoons. This belief is evident in the many documentaries and interviews targeted at studying this behaviour.

One of the key findings is that most people who eat with bare fingers have their hands washed thoroughly before and after meals. And while washing may not provide 100% hygiene, it can still be better than poorly handled spoons, etc.

Finger and Hand Exercise

Another justifiable reason for barehand feasting gathered from dialogues is that it promotes muscle exercise and blood flow. This is possible because eating with the fingers allows for better hand movement than eating with spoons. As such, eating for these cultures is more than just feeding; it is also considered a form of physical activity. Speaking of hand exercise, it does not only end with eating. By participating in online free slots Canada gamers flex their hand muscles and hone their playing skills before playing with cash.

Overall, the following are some other regions where eating with bare hands is frequently practiced:

• Sri Lanka
• Malaysia
• Bangladesh
• Indonesia

Chopsticks

Barehand feasting is not the only unusual eating method in Asia. Chopsticks are also widely used in China as they go with various meals. A chopstick is a slender wooden wand used to grasp and ingest food, just like spoons. As irregular as it may sound, it is a widely practiced culture in China and other Asian states like Korea and Japan.

Aside from chopsticks, there are a few other irregular eating/cooking utensils in different cultures. And in that light, we made the following index to highlight a few more:

Elders First

The elders’ first culture is exactly what it sounds like. It suggests that whenever a group of persons gather for a meal, be it family or friends, the eldest person at the table is allowed to take the first bite. This is done solely as a mark of respect for elders.

As much as the Elders’ first tradition can be found in many parts of Africa, it is particularly prominent in South Korea.

Long Pasta Only

You’ve probably heard or even practiced this one, as it is becoming widespread. The long pasta tradition describes how spaghetti should be cooked whole without breaking or shortening. It is believed to have originated in Italy and is still mostly practiced today. Nonetheless, the habit is becoming increasingly known in all parts of Europe.

Even so, only a few non-Italians know the reason and justification behind this culinary practice, and it all comes down to culture and preference. The Italians believe spaghetti is meant to be long, cooked, or uncooked. This is so that the strands can be twirled and stuck to the fork, making it easier to consume.

In addition, Italians generally believe that long strands of spaghetti are a work of art made with precision and passion. As such, breaking them into smaller pieces is considered an impurity.

The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest food cultures in the world. Sometimes, it is even branded as the most affordable and healthiest diet. That is because the Mediterranean food culture promotes fresh and organic food materials alongside healthy eating habits.

The culture’s major food ingredients are vegetables, fruits, and whole grains like barley, virgin olive oil, etc. The diet steers clear of food materials like red meat and excessive fat oils. Instead, you’ll find lean meats like fish and chicken alongside ingredients like nuts that are only partially dominant in other parts of the world.

In summary, the Mediterranean diet doesn’t focus on creating delicacies or spicy meals but on foods that reduce the risk of health complications like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Slurping Noodles and Soups

Slurping is considered disgusting and disorderly in many regions around the world. Well, not in Japan and some other Asian States, just like online casino gambling is not welcome in some states, but it is huge entertainment in Canada, especially with the online free slots. Slurping noodles and soup, especially in Japan, is not just acceptable but a standing culture.

The culture is that of showing satisfaction and communicating that the meal is being enjoyed.

Spicing

Spicing food is pretty much an intercontinental practice. However, the Indians take it to the next level. By that, we mean an unusual amount of spices in different varieties. And if you have ever visited the South Asian giants, you have probably come across some of the most spiced-up meals in the world.

Also, while many nutritionists argue that excessive spicing isn’t a healthy eating habit, many native Indian spices are a good source of antioxidants, which bodes well for health. These spices include curry leaves, herbs, ginger, cardamom, turmeric, etc.

Closing Words

As we said at the beginning, eating cultures are beyond just dining. They represent the identity of a people and portray several lessons in healthy living. So far, we’ve dug out some of the most defined but unusual dietary practices that are interesting.

So, from the heavy spicing in India to the elders’ first culture in South Korea, we have met our target of exploring some fascinating eating habits worldwide.