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Value-based eating habits; exploring religio-cultural nutritional behavior norms

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Abstract

Purpose

Defining a standard norm is critical in nutritional cognitive-behavioral interventions. These norms can be derived from a statistical or value-based point of view. Religion and subsequent cultural values can have significant effects on social behaviors, especially on eating habits. In this study, the authors quantify the presence of religio-cultural nutritional behavior norms in Abrahamic scriptures.

Methods

Qualitative content analysis and descriptive analysis were applied to these texts to provide a better understanding of the subject.

Results

The extracted norms were categorized into nine main behavioral domains, and most of the observed value-based norms were in agreement with previous experimental researches.

Conclusion

There is strong emphasis on nutritional habits in value-based religio-cultural sources. The use of these norms in later policies and practices is advised. This approach can lead to healthier nutritional choices and a decrease in non-communicable diseases.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Messrs. Jalal Farzami, Dr. Hamid-Reza Mostafid, and Ali Movahhedi for their kind cooperation in ensuring the accuracy of statistical analysis and scripture selection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Jalal Al-e-Ahmad Ave., North Kargar Avenue, Tehran, Iran

    Ata Pourabbasi, Amin Akbari Ahangar & Sarah Nouriyengejeh

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  1. Ata Pourabbasi
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  3. Sarah Nouriyengejeh
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Correspondence to Ata Pourabbasi.

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Pourabbasi, A., Akbari Ahangar, A. & Nouriyengejeh, S. Value-based eating habits; exploring religio-cultural nutritional behavior norms. J Diabetes Metab Disord 20, 187–192 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-021-00728-z

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