While I lived in Taiwan, my eyes were opened to an entirely different culture and country. Among many differences I noticed between my home and Taipei was the health — or at least appearance of health — of the general public.

The United States is known worldwide for its excessively large food portions, both in restaurants and in grocery stores. We love value, so we are willing to buy more product in total if it corresponds to a lesser price per item.

In addition, high quality fruits, vegetables, and meats can be rather expensive and hard to come by. To get my best pick, I often have to make special trips to farmer's markets, meat companies, or renowned produce stores that can be a considerable drive from home. Further, because of the effort put into growing organic vegetables or keeping them fresh at the market, prices are often higher than those at your typical supermarket chain. Many folks don't have the time or energy to go to such lengths to get their food, and if they were, many wouldn't be able to afford it anyway.

In Taiwan, food is extremely cheap to individuals and families, in part because it is subsidized by the government. During my stay, I remember getting a nutritious and filling lunch for around $3 (US). In America, that same $3 buys you a latte or a fast food hamburger, but not the delicious buffet of fresh vegetables I experienced in Asia. In fact, in San Francisco, the same spread would probably cost around $10, if not more.

I find this all very interesting in light of the recent study indicating that Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and native Hawaiians are more susceptible to type 2 diabetes than other ethnic groups. While it is hard to make sweeping conclusions from such studies, I have to wonder if it's the nature of the American diet that is influencing these numbers.

While Asian diets (at least those I experienced) can be carb-heavy, I found that they also contained more good foods than the typical American meal, including seafood or chicken for protein and a variety of vegetables. Of course, there are always exceptions, but I believe the price and availability of comparatively healthy foods in Taiwan compared to the U.S. is responsible for a seemingly healthier population.

If anything, the experience taught me that quality vegetables need to be cheaper, more accessible, and in higher quantity for Americans. One shouldn't need to make a Herculean effort or break the bank in order to feed their families well. Even if it means subsidizing quality meats and produce for families, the U.S. government could do well to take a lesson from Taiwan. Healthier bodies mean better minds and improved decisions, and the more of those we have in our society, the better.