By Nicola Cucuiet and Sylvia Klinger
According to The United States Census Bureau the modern diet of Hispanics in the United States is influenced by the traditional eating patterns of their home countries, as well as by the dietary practices of the adopted communities in which they live. Family life has traditionally occupied a central place in Hispanic culture, and this has influenced dietary behaviors through home preparation of meals and the practice of families eating together.
One of the most important thing that has to be included in every Hispanic diet is a moderate consumption of grains. Hispanic women especially have the highest rate of having a child affected by neural tube defect conditions compared with non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black women. Spina bifida – a disorder that’s caused by incomplete closure of the spinal cord and spinal column – can develop within the first 28 days of pregnancy, often before women know they are pregnant! Whole and enriched grains create the perfect source of folic acid, that is absolutely vital in preventing neural tube birth defects during pregnancy.
Research has found a direct link between the consumption of low fat milk and milk products, and the lowering of some chronic disease risks, including many of the disease for which Hispanics have increased incidence. Dairy products provide key nutrients that may directly positively influence insulin sensitivity, body weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and when consumed as part of a healthy diet may help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension.
Contemporary Hispanic diets should change in favor of the traditional Hispanic diet that typically include less fat and more fiber, and also a variety of vegetables , starches, fruits, seeds and nuts. Traditional meals also include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and whole milk and cheese. The quality of the modern Hispanic diet has declined due to acculturation.
Recent analysis has shown that Hispanic diets are low in vitamin E, calcium and zinc levels. In order to achieve adequate levels of vitamin E, diets should include more seeds like almonds, peanuts, pistachios, turnip vegetables like spinach, fortified cereals, tomatoes. In order to achieve good levels of calcium, include foods like low fat dairy, white and red beans, sardines, broccoli, kale, bok choy. Rich sources of zinc can be provided by lamb, beef, scallops, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, oats, yogurt, turkey and shrimp.
