ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the lifestyle patterns and food consumption of Iranians and links them to health and traditional diets. The chapter begins by looking at the traditional dietary patterns of Iranian people regarding their ethnic cuisine categories, then focuses on the common dietary patterns, food staples, and beverages that are consumed in Iran. Special features of meals are also explained.
The chapter also investigates the racial and geographical differences in Iran and the effect of this diversity on the nutritional behavior of Iranians. It also investigates the rapid nutrition transition that is occurring in Iran.
Food insecurity that existed in past decades and its complications on the food basket of Iranian peoples is another topic of this chapter. The relationship between the Iranian lifestyle and diseases based on a literature review is discussed to reveal the nutritional and lifestyle-related causes of chronic diseases in Iranian society. Finally, the chapter discusses future directions of the Iranian’s diet.
