Globalization of Food and Health on Guam
Modern Guam Diet
People on Guam
The island of Guam has significantly changed over time. Through globalization, Guam's population today has become more heterogenous. According the the Guam 2010 census, there are about 160,000 people living on the island. Other than the indigeneous Chamorros, the island cultures consist of Filipinos, Koreans, Japanese, Chuukese, Kosraen, Palauan, Yapases, Marshallese, Chinese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, Pohnpeian, Carolinian snd Americans . Because of the influences of differnt cultures, the ancient island way of life has changed.
Guam's Food Today
Studies suggest that Guam's diet has transformed to be more westernized. Orgianally, the island diet was predominantly more vegetarian, however by the 1900s, venison, pork, and chicken became common. The period of World War II brought a wave of imported foods. As of the 1950s, local food prodution represented only 15% of the populations requirement. The diet mainly consisted of rice, flour, sugar, and meats, while fruits and vegetables were consumed in small portions.
Fiestas
Sharing food is a main focus of social gatherings in the Guam culture. Even before of the introduction of the Spanish fiesta, ancient Chamorros took part in celebratory social gatherings where feasting is essential. Fiestas are celebrated on Guam year round. The fiesta meal generally includes several main dishes and sides with a wide range of desserts. Some of these dishes are red rice, fried chicken, roasted pig, fried lumpia, shrimp patties, barbequed ribs, chicken keleguen, and potato salad. It is not uncommon for people to consume large quanities of food at these events. Nutritional analysis suggest that the food served at fiestas are high in calories and fat and low in dietary fiber and other essential nutrients. The foods served at fiestas reflect the shift away from traidional agriculture.
Imported Foods
The island diet today is heavliy dependent on imported goods because less than 1% of the population on Guam farms for food. After World War II, the diet of the island has transitioned from cultivated food to imported rice, and highly processed goods such as Spam, corned beef, and Vienna sausage. Today, Guam is known to be the world's largest consumer of Spam. Guam consumes more than 16 cans of Spa, per person, per year. It has become so popular that dozens of indigenous recipes include Spam.
