Religiosity and Spirituality and the Intake of Fruit, Vegetable, and Fat: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objectives. To systematically review articles investigating the relationship between religion and spirituality (R/S) and fruit, vegetable, and fat intake. Methods. PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycInfo were searched for studies published in English prior to March 2013. The studies were divided into two categories: denominational studies and degree of R/S studies. The degree of R/S studies was further analyzed to (1) determine the categories of R/S measures and their relationship with fruit, vegetable, and fat intake, (2) evaluate the quality of the R/S measures and the research design, and (3) determine the categories of reported relationship. Results. Thirty-nine studies were identified. There were 14 denominational studies and 21 degree of R/S studies, and 4 studies were a combination of both. Only 20% of the studies reported validity and 52% reported reliability of the R/S measures used. All studies were cross-sectional, and only one attempted mediation analysis. Most studies showed a positive association with fruit and vegetable intake and a mixed association with fat intake. Conclusion. The positive association between R/S and fruit and vegetable intake may be one possible link between R/S and positive health outcome. However, the association with fat intake was mixed, and recommendations for future research are made.

The impact of religiosity on dietary habits and physical activity in minority women participating in the Health is Power (HIP) study

“…Religiosity and spirituality (R/S) has been shown to positively affect health (Koenig, 2012, Tan et al, 2013). R/S may impact health through individual implementation of health-promoting religious acts and beliefs, religious prohibitions against unhealthy behaviors, and other religious laws (Tan et al, 2013, Hart et al, 2006).…”

“…R/S may impact health through individual implementation of health-promoting religious acts and beliefs, religious prohibitions against unhealthy behaviors, and other religious laws (Tan et al, 2013, Hart et al, 2006). R/S may also impact health as a R/S community can provide supportive social connections that can reinforce behaviors, increase community trust and involvement, and potentially allow for the flow of health information (Koenig, 2012, Gillum, 2006, Underwood, 2006).…”

“…R/S may also impact health as a R/S community can provide supportive social connections that can reinforce behaviors, increase community trust and involvement, and potentially allow for the flow of health information (Koenig, 2012, Gillum, 2006, Underwood, 2006). R/S has been positively associated with well-being, self-esteem, reduced risk of all-cause mortality, and lower rates of lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer (Koenig, 2012, Tan et al, 2013). Of the few studies that have examined this relationship, some found that R/S was associated with more PA and a healthier diet, while other studies found no relationship (Gillum, 2006).…”

“…Many studies have relied on measures that have not demonstrated adequate reliability and validity. In addition, some studies do not control for demographic variables, which can also affect the outcome of the relationship being tested (Koenig, 2012, Tan et al, 2013, Hart et al, 2006). Therefore, further research in a longitudinally designed model with standardized measurement tools focused on ethnic minority women is necessary to establish guidelines for behavioral interventions in the future.…”

Moving Forward in Their Journey: Participants’ Experience of Taste & See, A Church-Based Programme to Develop a Healthy Relationship with Food

“…Evidence from cross-sectional studies indicates that religion and spirituality are positively associated with a better diet, which includes higher consumption of fruit and vegetables [2,3], higher fish intake [4] and lowered fat intake amongst specific Christian denominations (e.g., Seventh-Day Adventists) [3]. Systematic review evidence [5] is beginning to document the successful outcomes achieved from holistic interventions that include a spiritual element as an approach to self-manage obesity in the community.…”