Asian Diet Pyramid

             This is another in the growing list of cultural diet pyramids available. Like other traditional diet guides, the Asian Diet Pyramid has physical activity at the base showing the importance of exercise in overall health. Energy foods follow exercise and as can be expected includes rice and rice products, grains and bread. These are included on a daily basis as a part of the traditional Asian meal. The third level of the pyramid includes other foods that should be eaten daily. These are fruits, vegetables and legumes, peas and seeds. The fourth layer has vegetable oils as part of a healthy addition to meals on a daily basis. Fish, shellfish and dairy follow with a note that it is optional whether to consume foods from this group daily. Eggs and poultry should be had weekly, while sweets in moderation can also be included at least once per week. Red meat is at the small tip of the pyramid with the recommendation for its consumption just once per month. Additional recommendations on the Asian Diet Food Pyramid include drinking at least six glasses of water or tea daily, with sake, wine and beer in moderation.
           Different Asian cultures have modifications to this pyramid with one of the most well known being the Japanese Food Pyramid.