Are you supplying your body with an adequate source of vitamins, minerals and fiber? Vegetables and whole grains are our primary source for the essential nutrients that we need. It is very important for us to ensure that we eat an abundant supply of these foods in order to prevent disease and to help with vitamin deficiencies. By eating these foods,we can provide our body with fiber which will aid in regular bowel movements and can prevent cancer in our colons.
As a whole, African Americans do not eat enough foods rich in fiber and essential nutrients, that would explain why we have such a high rate of disease and premature aging. This type of nutrient deficiency will limit our bodies natural ability to ward of illness and disease. The right amount of minerals are needed in order for us to maintain health there must be a balance, too much or too little may not be noticed immediately but later in life it may put us at risk for certain diseases. Because of our adapting to western culture, many have been accustomed to soul food rich with seasons and sauces that do plenty for your taste buds but almost nothing in terms of adding wellness to your life, historically we have not always cooked like this.
I remember fondly the days at my grand mom Mama's house and yes we did call her Big Mama! Mama would cook up some delicious food and you could smell it coming up the street. All of our family and social gatherings centered around food, it was a sin not to have some great dishes waiting when guest arrived. As I think back to these times, I do not remember many balanced meals. I remember a lot of fried foods, collards that had the life cooked out of them rich gravies made with bleached flour and a host of other items that were high in saturated fat and calories, rarely did we have a fresh salad or whole grain bread or snacks that included fruits and raw vegetables. Today we have an abundance of nutrition information at our disposal, and if we would only take the time to educate ourselves on the value of whole foods and our true history, we can possibly save our next generation from the many lifestyle diseases that are prevalent right now such as diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes, and certain cancers.
Make the choice today to choose whole foods, foods rich in essential nutrients such as fresh fruits and raw vegetables, these types of foods act as roughage for our intestines and will cleanse and detoxify. These foods will give you added protection against disease. These were truly the foods of our ancestors, foods rich in whole grain, fresh fruit and vegetables. Here is a little something extra for your research and study!
http://www.york.cuny.edu/academics/writing-program/the-york-scholar-1/volume-5.2-spring-2009/can-the-african-american-diet-be-made-healthier-without-giving-up-culture
