African American Through The Microscope: Their Culture,

Diet, And Health

The Origins: Slavery and Soul Food
African American culture dates back far beyond when they came across the sea, shackled
on a ship. Before they were forced to come to the United States African Americans had a culture
rich with many different kinds of food. When they came across the sea they brought their
knowledge of dishes from Africa, the Carribean, and South America. Existing together in a
foreign place they banded together and shared their knowledge. African American culture stems
from a deep family base and they have
created what we know today as Soul
Food.

This delicious culture of food is not

all that it seems. Although this food
culture contains all different kinds of
wonderful food, such as, many different
kinds of fruits and vegetables, yams,
sweet potatoes, beans, nuts, and grains.
Soul Food has one overarching health
concern. Many of the foods are fried,
which means these foods are greasy and
high in fat and cholesterol.

That isn’t the only problem. African

Americans also suffer from low
socioeconomic statuses. This means that
they may not have access to very many
healthy options or activities which may
improve their health.

The Impact: Diabetes In African

American Life
African Americans are suffering in big ways. Diabetes is a leading cause of death in
African Americans as they are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-hispanic
whites.
- African American adults have an 80 percent higher chance of being diagnosed with
diabetes by a physician than non-Hispanic whites.

Austin See
December 6, 2019
 - In 2010, non-Hispanic blacks were 4.2 times more
likely to be diagnosed with end stage renal disease
as compared to non-Hispanic whites.
- In 2012, non-Hispanic blacks were 3.5 times more
likely to be hospitalized for lower limb amputations
as compared to non-Hispanic whites.
- In 2013, non-Hispanic blacks were two times as
likely to die from diabetes as non-Hispanic whites.
- African Americans ages 35-64 are 50 percent more
likely to have higher blood pressure than non-
Hispanic whites.

The Solution: Habits For A Healthy Lifestyle

Health sometimes takes more than just one person pursuing a healthy lifestyle. One of the
most healthy options can be a community geared towards a goal.
- Pressure your local government or community to assist you in living a better
lifestyle. Elect officials that want to help the African American population, such
as build gyms, and playgrounds so that people have access to safe exercise.
- Modify the Soul Food. Less frying more seasoning. Since much of the unhealthy
lifestyle comes from fried foods, don’t fry the food. Eating food naturally is a
great way to get all of the nutrition it gives.
- Encourage one another and keep each other accountable for the food you eat.
African American culture is rooted in community. The best thing that you can do
for oneself is to help your neighbor.
- Look up original heritage recipes and make them. Much of the recipes that were
brought overseas have been changed and altered. Make the original thing. Almost
all of the original recipes are healthy dishes.

References
African American Health: Creating Equal Opportunities for Health. (2017, May 2). Retrieved
from https://www.cdc.gov/media/dpk/healthy-living/african-american-health/index.html.

African Heritage Diet. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://oldwayspt.org/traditional-diets/african-

heritage-diet.

Office of Minority Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=18.

Austin See
December 6, 2019