Food security and traditional foods in remote Aboriginal communities: A review of the literature

Abstract

Objective: A review of the literature was conducted to describe and discuss the link between food security and traditional food access, availability and use in remote Aboriginal communities. Concepts and themes were revealed from the literature and the evidence examined to justify carrying out further research. Background: Evidence suggests that Aboriginal people were healthy before European settlement and did not suffer from chronic lifestyle and nutrition related diseases. A rapid transition from a well-balanced, varied and nutrient dense diet to a diet today, which is energy dense, high in saturated fat and sugar has brought about a significant health transition. Aboriginal people in remote regions of Australia suffer higher rates of lifestyle and nutrition related diseases than any other Australians. Methods: A systematic literature search examined specific computerised databases. Relevant journals and authoritative texts were examined. Prominent authors were identified from the literature and individual author searches were conducted. Reference lists were examined from the literature retrieved. Specific themes were identified from the data collected and critically analysed in the main body of the literature review. Discussion: An overview and critical analysis of the literature related to traditional food and food security were presented. Traditional foods contribute positively to the diets of Aboriginal people as well as being socio-economically valued. The use of traditional foods must be examined further and precautions made to safeguard these foods from contaminants, particularly heavy

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