Modifications in food consumption patterns reported by people from India, living in Cincinnati, Ohio

Surprisingly little research has been conducted to identify modifications of food habits made by people who have immigrated to the United States from India, South Asia. This study helps to bridge an information gap by assessing previous and present food habits reported by a group of people from India living in Cincinnati, Ohio. Acculturation of food consumption patterns of Indian immigrants to the United States may be manifested in the form of modification of vegetarian status, alteration in meal patterns and change in the frequencies of use of ethnic foods, as well as foods from other cultures available in America. Indian immigrants to the United States should probably be warned that, along with the adoption of Western food habits, certain health concerns may come along as part of the assimilative package.

Key Words:

• food consumption patterns
• food behaviors
• acculturation
• immigrants
• India