Dry Beans Play Major Role in Traditional, Healthy Hispanic Diet
Smart Choice for a Healthy Life Vol. 5, No. 1 Dry Beans Play Major Role in Traditional, Healthy Hispanic Diet By Judith Rodriguez, PhD, RDN and Doreen Bevans Hispanics in the United States consume a fall nutrient among proportionately larger amount of beans (33% Hispanics although more) than the general population.1 Beans are a it is for the non- major source of protein, fiber, iron, manganese, Hispanic black popu- and magnesium in the traditional Hispanic diet. lation.5,6 Increased Research indicates that consumers of dry beans, acculturation is asso- peas, and lentils had higher intakes of nutrients ciated with decreased and lower glycemic indices than non-consum- rice and bean consumption. Terminology Tip 2,3 ers. However, as with other immigrant groups, Dairy Hispanic refers to as acculturation occurs, the diet changes include people from countries Whole milk is generally consumed, and despite increased intake of meats and decreased intake that were colonies of some resistance to lower fat milks, there is of beans. Spain, or Hispaniola. 7,8 increasing acceptance with acculturation. So a general reference Hispanic Diet and Food Patterns Cheeses are popular, especially among Mexi- to such would exclude Dietary patterns differ across the Hispanic can Americans. This includes Queso Blanco (a countries such as Brazil groups, but there are some similarities. All white cheese). In the United States, yogurt has in South America, groups’ traditional diets are a combination been increasing in popularity, especially among which was a colony of of indigenous foods, influences from Spain younger Hispanics.9 Cheese may be consumed Portugal.
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