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

open access

Conclusion
Overall, the denominational studies showed that religious denomination is significantly related to fruit, vegetable, and fat intake. Specifically, the Adventists consumed more fruit and vegetable and less fat than non-Adventists. However, the relationship between the degree of R/S and dietary intake is mixed. The results of this review suggest that future research on R/S and diet may help explain the possible mechanism between religion and health. Methodology more sophisticated than observational studies is required. Longitudinal study methodologies (while still often observational) may enhance our understanding of underlying mechanisms. As religion is important for many people and affects their diet, improved methodological quality of R/S and diet research will surely shed more light on this area.