Diet and Black Women

Paper Summary:

This paper provides a review of the literature to determine the incidence of heart disease in the population at large, as well as in the black female segment, followed by an assessment of how an improved diet, focusing on micro-nutrients and exercise, can mitigate the impact. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.

From the Paper:

"In the United States today, approximately 52 percent of black women are obese compared with 33 percent of white women. The high incidence of obesity among African-American women has been attributed to lifestyle factors such as diet and less cultural preoccupation with thinness, but experts have wondered for years if biological factors are also responsible. Obesity in the middle-aged African-American female population represents a major health risk because of the increased incidence of heart disease for these individuals. According to Paul Ceratto, the lack of awareness about heart disease is a particular problem among women, and an even greater problem among black women. A recent national survey cited by Ceratto found that six out of 10 women think cancer is the greatest threat to their health. However, only 7 percent (fewer than one in 10) rated heart disease at the top of the list. Even many healthcare professionals still view heart disease as primarily a male problem. Ceratto emphasizes that the most recent figures show that more than half a million women die from cardiovascular disease each year, accounting for approximately 45 percent of all female deaths in the United States. That figure is more than all forms of cancer combined. In fact, among minority women, the statistics are even worse, with the death rate 69 percent higher among black women than among white females."

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