A nonprofit organization has taken the American food pyramid concept and applied it to African Americans.
Oldways, a nonprofit food and nutrition education organization, has launched The African Heritage Diet Pyramid.
The pyramid uses traditional African dishes and was made possible by a grant from the Wal-Mart foundation. It differs from the traditional American diet food pyramid.
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The Grio reports:
The bottom of the pyramid comprises green vegetables such as collards, mustards and spinach — which are staples in traditional African cuisines. Fruits, vegetables and nuts are also recommended for daily consumption. At the top of the pyramid are dairy products and sweets, which should be limited to once a week.
“Science tells us that eating traditional diets, which are mainly plant-based, real foods, and whole grains, reduces the risk of chronic disease,” said Sara Baer-Sinnot, President of Oldways. “These chronic illnesses are a big problem for the African-American population.”
