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Black people need to eat more plant foods where possible
A thread
A thread
Firstly I know that for some communities, the access to food just isn't there even if they wanted to eat healthier. That's a socio-economic and systemic race issue which is intertwined with health.
1. Higher rates of cardiovascular disease 
Western diets have clearly had an impact on black communities, as we have a 20% higher risk of cardiovascular disease. A recent small study showed that a low sodium vegan diet for 5 weeks reduced the risk by almost 20%
Western diets have clearly had an impact on black communities, as we have a 20% higher risk of cardiovascular disease. A recent small study showed that a low sodium vegan diet for 5 weeks reduced the risk by almost 20%
2. Black people are disproportionately affected by obesity 
Obesity afflicts people of colour more than any other race. Nutrition can play a part; prioritising plant foods where possible will provide fibre to keep us full and release hunger-suppressing hormones.
Obesity afflicts people of colour more than any other race. Nutrition can play a part; prioritising plant foods where possible will provide fibre to keep us full and release hunger-suppressing hormones.
3. Too much high blood pressure in our communities 
Black people are up to 40% more likely to have high blood pressure
Eating potassium rich plant foods like kale, mango and bananas, limiting salt and eating whole grains can play a positive role in reducing this.
Black people are up to 40% more likely to have high blood pressure
Eating potassium rich plant foods like kale, mango and bananas, limiting salt and eating whole grains can play a positive role in reducing this.
4. It's actually a return to our roots 
African and Caribbean food has historically been very plant-centric. Many ancient grains were originally domesticated in Africa, and the Caribbean Ital way of eating has long seen plant foods as the optimal fuel for the body
African and Caribbean food has historically been very plant-centric. Many ancient grains were originally domesticated in Africa, and the Caribbean Ital way of eating has long seen plant foods as the optimal fuel for the body
4. We need to consciously take charge of our food decisions 
Culture, socio-economics, traditions and unfortunately a lack of education have impacted our food choices hugely and where we can, we need to take our power back
Culture, socio-economics, traditions and unfortunately a lack of education have impacted our food choices hugely and where we can, we need to take our power back
This isn't a shout to go vegan at all - just to increase plant intake. Maybe a 100% plant based diet won't work for all and that's cool - listen to your body. But I do know that increasing fibre-rich, nutrient-rich plant foods will have a positive impact.
Finally health isn't purely about diet - although it is very important. Also how well we move, how we sleep, stress management, the relationships we have and the media we consume all have an impact on how well we can be as a community 
