Association of dietary habits with non-communicable diseases: a qualitative review

Purpose Kerala, a southern state in India, is acknowledged for its socio-economic reforms such as quality health care, gender parity, high literacy rate and more. However, recent trends show that the state has the highest incidence of various noncommunicable diseases in the country, including diabetes, hypertension and heart coronary artery disease. This research paper aims to examine the link between the Kerala population’s lifestyle, diet and genetic factors and its correlation with a heightened cardio-metabolic risk. Design/methodology/approach Using Dixon Wood’s interpretive synthesis, this qualitative literature review is systematically used by searching, gathering articles, theme building, comparing and criticising the evidence. Findings The result shows that only minimal evidence is available regarding the genetic makeup of the Kerala community, food patterns and its link to the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, limited and contradicting evidence and studies restricted to a particular region in the state demand more research on this domain. Originality/value It is vital to review the diet habits of Keralites due to the alarmingly high prevalence of NCDs. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review of the diet habits of Kerala and their link to NCDs.