African Caribbean Minorities are at a higher risk of developing particular health conditions than other cultures. These health issues include: High blood pressure, prostate cancer and type 2 diabetes. Experts believe these health issues may be linked to diet and lifestyles of African Caribbean’s. Fortunately there are many ways to reduce and prevent the risk of these diseases by making simple changes to our lifestyle, diet and rate of physical activity.
Diabetes is a health condition where the body can’t deal with glucose in the body. With Type 2 diabetes the body does produce insulin but not enough or the insulin produced doesn’t work properly.
African Caribbean minorities are three times more likely than the rest of the population to develop Type 2 diabetes. However eating a healthy balanced diet and reducing the intake of sugary foods can prevent the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, as well as physical activity. 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week is advised as it lower the risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes.
Blood pressure is the force that blood exerts of the wall of the arteries. If your blood pressure is higher above average it puts you at a risk of developing Kidney issues, stroke, heart attacks and dementia. A normal reading of Blood pressure is 120/80, however if your reading is consistently above 140/90 than this regarded as Hypertension.
Although high blood pressure can be reduced with diet and lifestyle changes. Traditional African Caribbean foods are generally high in salt which can increase your blood pressure and lead to other illnesses. Reducing the amount of salt in your dishes can lower your blood pressure or prevent your blood pressure rising. Eating fruit and vegetables is essential for lowering high blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables contain potassium which has the capability to reduce high blood pressure and improve your overall health. Furthermore reducing your intake of sugar can lower high blood pressure because continuously consuming sugary foods can lead to obesity therefore it increases your blood pressure.
Men from African Caribbean minorities communities are more at risk of developing Prostate cancer. 1 in 4 men from African descent are diagnosed with prostate cancer at a point in their lives whilst 1 in 8 men from the general population are diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Specialists believe this is linked to genes and inheritance.
Keeping a healthy weight decreases the risk of cancer development and decreases the risk of advanced prostate cancer (cancer that has spread outside the prostate). Maintaining a healthy diet may reduce the risk of Prostate cancer. Moreover there are some specific foods which may reduce the risk of Prostate cancer.
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