Cardiovascular disease kills more Americans than any other condition. However, African Americans are at a greater risk for heart disease and stroke than any other racial group, according to the American Heart Association.
There are several contributing factors, including genetics, hypertension, obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Diet can play a key role in the development of heart disease and its risk factors. This is particularly true for Black people in the U.S., for whom traditional dishes, often referred to as “soul food,” were often developed from unhealthy ingredients — by necessity.
Soul food is sometimes loaded with sodium, sugar and fat, which makes those foods high in flavor but can also raise your risk of heart disease. Dr. LaPrincess Brewer, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, suggests that people make subtle changes to their diet.
“Focus on portion control, lower fat, lower sodium content, and really focus on the fresh foods, so fresh fruits and vegetables, and integrate those into your diet,” explains Dr. Brewer.
