Native American Food Research Paper

Words: 1887
Pages: 8

The impact that colonization had on Native American culture and food was a complex process that had deep consequences. One of the biggest consequences was the introduction of new foods to the Native American diet. European foods such as peaches, apricots, plums, cherries, melons, watermelon, apples, grapes, and wheat were brought to the Americas, providing new tastes and flavors to the Native American palate. However, this also led the traditional Native American food systems to suffer and aided in the loss of many native crops and food sources as well.

Another significant impact of European colonization on Native American food culture was the forced relocation of many Native American communities. This relocation resulted in the loss of access to hunting and fishing grounds, as well as the disruption of traditional agricultural practices. Because of this, many Native Americans were forced to adopt new foods and ways of eating, which had a big impact on their health.
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For example, it can result in an increase in chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Additionally, the lack of nutritious food options can lead to malnutrition, especially among children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Before the arrival of Europeans, Native Americans had a diverse range of foods available to them, which differed depending on the specific region in which they lived. They had an incredible wealth of knowledge about their local ecosystems and were able to grow and harvest foods that could be dried and stored for later use throughout the year, to ensure they always had a steady supply of food. Some of the most commonly grown crops include corn, beans, peppers, squash, fruits, herbs, vegetables, and nuts. Meat was also an important part of their diet, and they hunted many different animals for this