Using complete sentences, describe the differences between the pre-colonial and postcolonial diets of many Pacific Islanders.

Answer 1

Before the arrival of colonizers, Pacific Islanders largely subsisted on a diet based on fishing, farming, and gathering crops and fruit. This meant that their diets were primarily composed of fresh, locally-sourced foods rich in nutrients and vitamins. Much of their food supply came from the sea, including fish, mollusks, and seaweed. Additionally, agriculture played a significant role in their diets, with crops like taro, banana, and yams being staples. However, following colonization, Pacific Islanders' diets changed significantly. With the introduction of Western foods and the shift towards a more industrialized, global food market, many Pacific Islanders began consuming more processed foods, sugary drinks, and fast food. As a result, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease has skyrocketed in the Pacific Islands.