Indians at greater risk of heart problems

Hindus and Indians are at a greater risk of contracting heart disease than others with high cholesterol levels. This according to the editorial of the Indo-Caribbean Council’s (ICC) latest magazine entitled, Divali.

It says that research from the University of Califonia-Berkeley Centre for Family and Community Health has shown that Indians around the world have the highest rate of heart disease. There is also a suggestion that there may be a genetic link to this disease. “Indo-Trinidadians, therefore, are technically a disadvantaged and at-risk group in this multi-ethnic society. Indians also form the majority of patients suffering with diabetes. The figures for these ‘lifestyles diseases’ are becoming astronomical and alarming,” the editorial stated. Writers of the ICC have produced this full-coloured glossy magazine to be distributed free of charge. The theme for this year’s edition of Divali is, “Food, culture and healthy eating.” The magazine which deals with diet and other health related topics, outlines the effects of eating healthy vegetarian dishes.  

The headline of the editorial says that roasted tomato “choka,” can lower the risk of heart disease, according to a Harvard University study on health. It also noted that a vegetarian diet can lower the risk of cancer because of salicylic acid found in fruits and vegetables. According to the editor and chairman of ICC, Dr Kumar Mahabir, the objective of producing this publication is to effect a change toward a healthy diet which will save citizens and the economy from unnecessary health related problems and complications. Mahabir said that with the Christmas and Carnival season fast approaching, there is a need to create greater awareness about the importance of healthy diets.

He told Newsday that Divali is the second largest national festival after Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. And Eid and Christmas follow soon after Divali as final calendar festivals. “Everywhere people are preparing elaborate dishes to be served as dinner at the many functions in the country and it is necessary to create this awareness at this point in time,” Mahabir said. As stated in Divali, the Ministry of Health statistics show that one of the main causes of death in TT is cardiovascular disease. Moreover, statistics from Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) reveal that TT ranks fifth in the world per capita in the case of diabetes. “Diabetes and heart diseases can be prevented, reduced and controlled by more than 60 percent if people eat healthy food and exercise regularly,” Mahabir said.