social exclusion and contribute to Brazil’s high crime rate, particularly violent crime in cities and favelas, the ghettos or shantytowns of Brazil (1).


Mortality in Brazil has changed markedly over the years, with a decline in some infectious diseases,


resurgence of others, and changes in the frequency of noninfectious diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The prevalence of underweight people has decreased (except in the northern rural areas), and the prevalence of overweight and obese individuals has increased (4).


Religion varies, with the majority of Brazilians identifying as Catholic (64.6%); other religions are


also freely practiced. The official and most widely spoken language is Portuguese, but in some areas less common languages are also spoken and include Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, English, and a large number of minor Amerindian languages (1). There are no official regional dialects. Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in South America (6).


Brazilian cuisine is a reflection of its ethnic groups, history, geography, local agricultural products,


socioeconomic status of its people, and globalization. In the last 30 years there has been a significant change in traditional Brazilian eating habits due to the increasing influence of western culture, with a decrease in rice, beans, and wheat flour, and an increase in meat, eggs, dairy, sugar, animal fat, and processed food (7).


Multiple geographical and sociological factors influence Brazilian food customs. For example, its diverse weather increases cultivation of a larger variety of food, and its extensive coast stimulates fishing activity. Brazilian food is mostly based on Portuguese cuisine, but it also has been influenced by indigenous and African cultures. There are numerous variations in the type of ingredients used. For instance, cozido (a stew) in Portugal is made with pig, but in Brazil it is mixed with vegetables and beef. There are also differences within the country itself based on geographic location. Although each region developed a unique food culture and character, the mixture of rice and beans is constant throughout the country and represents Brazil’s identity. However, this dish can differ in taste depending on the method of preparation and types of grains, which vary according to region (7,8). Rice and beans are grown throughout the year in most Brazilian states, which make them low-cost products countrywide. Rice was introduced in Brazil in the early centuries of Portuguese colonization, and it gradually gained importance in Brazilian cuisine (9).


The need for quicker and easier meals has increased the demand for fast food in most Brazilian


metropolitan regions. The traditional rice and beans are quickly being replaced by “street food,” prepared foods sold on the street: a hot dog, a pastel (a crispy, fried pie with different fillings), or a coxinha (shredded chicken dumpling). Fresh fruits are also a part of street foods (8,10,11). Street food is usually bought for lunch, dinner, and snacks (12). With rising unemployment, many Brazilians see street food vending as a way to support their families, hence its popularity (8,13).


Brazil has a large variety of fruits, although some exotic kinds can only be found in specific regions.


Fruits such as avocado, papaya, coconut, mango, banana, passion fruit, guava, lemon, tangerine, orange, apple, pear, pineapple, melon, watermelon, and grapes can be found almost all over the country. Bananas are the most common fruit consumed, followed by oranges and apples (12,14). Fruits are also used in juices, smoothies, cookies, desserts, homemade jams, popsicles, sorbets, and ice creams (14).


Vegetables are eaten in salads and soups, or combined into main dishes (15). The most commonly consumed vegetables are tomatoes, onions, carrots, and lettuce (7). Vegetables such as broccoli,


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