Reflections of the Holy Quran and the Mediterranean diet: A culturally congruent approach to obesity?

Abstract

© 2015 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved. BACKGROUND: The Holy Quran is considered to be the authoritative spiritual and behavioral guide for practicing Muslims all around the world. With obesity becoming a growing public health problem in the predominantly Muslim Arab countries, culturally competent dietary and health-promoting strategies and interventions are warranted. The traditional Mediterranean-style diet (MD), which is considered among the healthiest diets, holds both a cultural and historical context within the dietary traditions of North Africa and the Middle East. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a narrative study of relevant passages mentioned in the Holy Quran which supports the characteristic features associated with the MD. METHODS: A narrative review of the Holy Quran in both electronic and hard cover format was carried out to identify key foods and features that are characteristic of the MD. RESULTS: A total of 24 relevant passages were identified with a significant focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains commonly associated with the MD. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the Holy Quran could serve as a significant influential source for culturally competent health educators, dietitians, and health professionals serving in Muslim populations in North Africa and the Middle East for improving and maintaining dietary patterns and features that resemble the MD.