A well balanced diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Throughout the world agriculture, climate, availability of certain foods, and cultural differences influence what people eat. The United States has developed the Food Guide Pyramid to show healthy eating patterns for people over two years of age. Other parts of the world may have different ways of eating, but they may be just as healthy.

The traditional Asian diet receives a lot of attention because many of the chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, are not as common in Asia as in the United States and other western nations. Researchers believe that the Asian plant-based diet provides protection against many chronic diseases. The diet is also believed to contribute to the long life spans commonly seen in Asia.