The incidence of diabetes has increased as well (AFIC, 2008). Chinese lifestyles has changed from a more active daily routine to one that is more sedentary (AFIC, 2008). Conclusion

It is a common belief among Americans that the traditional Chinese meal is healthier for you than American perennials such as hamburger and French fries. However, this study revealed that this all depends on how the food is prepared and how closely it resembles a standard American diet. This study found that a typical Chinese meal contains high amounts of fat, high amounts of animal protein and is high in caloric content.

As the Chinese diet shifts to a more Westernized intake of protein, as compared to the amount of vegetables and grains, the nutritional content of the meal deteriorates. If one sticks to traditional meals such as vegetarian dishes it is possible to fare better nutritionally than when eating meat dishes or fried items. One also has to be careful with sodium content in the traditional Chinese diet. Like American foods, nutrition decreases, and fat and sodium increase, the more highly processed the ingredients become.

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