May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month, and while you may have heard that African Americans have stronger bones than their counterparts of other races, this does not mean that you are not at risk.
Quite the contrary, actually, since many African American women develop the disease due to insufficient calcium intake - possibly because many people with dark skin are lactose intolerant - and vitamin D deficiency, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Moreover, the government agency reports that osteoporosis is often a condition that is not adequately treated or recognized in African American women, even though they have a much higher rate of mortality due to hip fracture than Caucasians.
Since sickle cell anemia and lupus are more prevalent among black women, this also puts them at a higher risk of the bone-weakening disease.
BET.com offered some dairy-free suggestions for African American women who want to ensure their bone strength. Foods like dark, leafy greens, fortified cereals, oranges, almonds and Brazil nuts all contain calcium, and many women should consider supplements.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, so also be sure to consume foods that contain the nutrient, like fish, liver and eggs.
Eating a balanced diet has the power to promote a healthy body inside and out - from strong bones to glowing African American skin.
No comments:
Post a Comment