FEW HOURS IN COCHIN.. VERY EXCITING INDEED

I returned to Cochin after an absence of five years, which is very long for me with regard to any country in my world view. I had come primarily to renew my acquaintance with Mr Rockey Neroth, an erudite Gentleman of the old school. He had organized everything for the first few days of my stay here in Cochin.
My Etihad flight from AUH to COK ( I had connected with a 14 hour flight from ORD) was delightful, with the presence of Khaled, a Palestinian born in Abu Dhabi and Preeti a relatively new FA from Bombay. Arriving at 4 am, I was the first one through Immigration and Customs, which was rather straightforward, compared to the difficulties I had obtaining a visa. 
Mr N had sent his driver Philip to pick me up and through the empty streets of that early hour we were able to make good time, I requested Philip that we stop at a road side stall for a cup of tea. Looking around at the buildings showing their age, I felt I was in Rangoon rather than Cochin and the comparison stayed in mind for a while.

On to Cochin Club a venerable institution from yesteryears and staying there brought me back memories of Brunei and other dying colonial times from the past. The rooms were huge, with fitting reminiscent of another time, Nostalgia without sadness. I enjoyed being ensconced in this nostalgia. 
A short auto-rickshaw drive  brlought me to the offices of Mr N and we had a lovely conversation, first over some fresh juices at the Cafe at Ethnic Passage in Mattancherry, just opposite the Paradesi Synagogue. He took me to the Pavillion Restaurant at Hotel Abad where the lunch of fresh fish, cooked Kerala style in a banana leaf (I thought of the umu in Tokelau Islands where they cook their fish wrapped in banana leaf). The fish was so tender it melted in your mouth along with the appropriate spices. We drove past the Chempitta Palli, a mosque with architecture typical of the sacred in these parts. This mosque was financed by a Jew at that time, showing the ever present harmony with which the various religions coexist here. Visit to the ruins of an old synagogue in Jew Town was sad indeed, but the government has to decide to protect these monuments as the Jewish presence in this land is fading.
Prof Karmachandran from Trichur arrived in the company of local guide Mr Biju Thomas. It is always a pleasure to meet erudite people in Asia, it has a special meaning, weaves you away from the stark reality that surround you. Both these men are very knowledgeable about the sacred monuments of the past and we arranged to visit the Jewish past of this part of the country, Chendamangalam, Parur and Mala. For those interested in a guided tour of Jewish Cochin, Mr Thomas is the person to contact +919833973468
The conversation with these knowledgeable historian and the well informed tour guide/cognizanti reminded of those distant days of my glorious days in Kuala Lumpur in the company of MunChing and Ho and Brijesh
Had Cochin Club had a working wifi I would have stayed on their revelling in its colonial past , but i was so lucky to discover a boutique hotel, something of a novelty here in Fort Cochin, owned by local person who gave up his corporate life in Melbourne to return home to dip in various businesses, while keeping the flame of his desire to do Organic Farming. It was a pleasure to meet him and his wife and I thank him for a nice Lunch at the Pepper House along Kalvathy Road, the Alleppey Fish Curry with rice and some vegies were the right size for a hot a day. During the day I had the chance to meet Mr Walton, who is a walking library, and his busy life is centered around his father's house in Princess Street. Truly a delightful genleman to talk to.
On my way over to Mr N I stopped by the house of Sarah Cohen whom I had met nearly twenty years ago. Taha who manages her affairs was present and he remembered our visits there six and seven years ago. I truly appreciate their remembering us when they have so many people passing through their lives on a daily basis.
When I entered  the Niyati Boutique Hotel, I was surprised to see an East Asian face behind the desk who was extremely pleasant and helpful. Imagine my surprise when he told me that he belongs to the Hindu Kiranti tribe people of Bhutan! I was proud to tell him that there are students from Bhutan studying Medicine in Cuba and many of them have already gone back after their graduation, like Dr Suresh Mothey, a Bhutanese of Nepalese origin.
Such is the life of an Anthropologist
Just a few hours in this delightful place woudl enrich your life, if you would permit it.

People who are close to my heart, in Bruxelles, in Miami and in La Habana keep me well alive.. School holidays start in Bruxelles in one week, Pesach would begin in two weeks... this is a jewish holiday where you have to be with your loved ones.. I hope so
Thought of the different places I have spent Pesach and read the Seder
Baracoa, Cuba
La Habana, Cuba
Miami, Florida
Melbourne, Australia
New York
London, England
Paris, France
Bruxelles, Belgium
Lund and Malmo, Sweden 
Rhodes, Greece
Cochin, India 
Kingston, Jamaica
Corpus Christi, Texas
Portland, Oregon, among others..
I am not sure where I would for this coming Seder....

BUDDHISTS AND AMERICAN INDIANS: COMMON PHILOSOPHICAL THREADS

On Reading about Buddhist Philosophy

Peace in the world begins with us

What works?

What works to free the mind from Suffering?

What works to engender the heart of compassion?

What works to awaken us from ignorance?

Love  Compassion Peace

In Sanskrit  Maitri, in Pali Metta and the Burmese say Mitta

All meaning  LOVING KINDNESS

Attitude of Friendliness

Good Will

Generosity of Heart

I noticed that many people, both in USA and Europe, are very suspicious of the Other. Always thinking that the Other is harmful, devious or trying to leech something out of you.

In Cuba, you can only thrive if you can trust the Other.

Paranoia is a wall built up of Ignorance. Ignorance is the basis of the structural defects in our ways of thinking.

With ignorance of the OTHER, the mass of people and environment outside of our own, we can never grow to become good human beings, a good relative as Indians would say or be effective in our efforts to make this world a better place.

To exist in your own isolation, you don’t have worry about your human connections outside those of your work or necessary or obligatory ones.

A psychologist friend of mine from Havana would say: You can thrive as a human being only if you can thrive on human connections.

Among the Indians the human connections are not technical, not quantitative, nor calculated with benefit in mind.

Let us practice Loving Kindness

Without expecting anything in return, let us be friendly towards the OTHER. We, especially in the European world, have been taught to be frightened of the Other, from the time of the Plague in the middle ages which they thought was brought on by the Other. Currently the atmosphere in Europe is poisoned against certain minority groups and Jews have suffered more than their share. Let us cultivate an attitude of friendliness towards the Other, in our daily dealings.

My good friend Joe, the Buddha of Bogor, would say: Smiling is a must. He smiled at me repeatedly on that early morning at an airport in the USA, we began talking and became very good friends. If I had thought, what does he want? He looks like a Chinese businessman, I want nothing to do with them, I would have lost a wonderful chapter in my life.

Let us not have any ill will towards people we encounter during the course of the day, especially if they are the Other. It is difficult to cultivate this, but if you have an attitude of friendliness, then it is easier to cultivate this. So important to cultivate the attitude of friendliness and good will in the hearts of children as they are so fertile in their mind and imagination. Perhaps this is what is meant when we say, the Children are our future

I have never met any group of people more generous than the American Indians. Americans in general are far more generous than their European counterparts , but the Indians steeped as they are in the long millennial history of their people living in isolation in this large continent, had developed the concept of Gift. (so well delineated by Marcel Mauss, Father of French Ethnology who was  nephew of Emile Durkheim, father of French Sociology) Just last night I was at a dance celebration (please don’t confuse dance celebration of the Indians and equate it with a Party, fiesta or Disco, these dances are usually symbols of prayer, accompanied by age old songs). The little girl was turning Four, a significant birthday. Songs and dances were those of the times when they were preparing for war and you could feel the intensity, the power and the thrust of the music and dancing. Most people who attended left bearing gifts from the family, substantial gifts for which the family has to sacrifice some other material comfort. The gifts consisted of quilts or blankets or shawls or baskets of food or artifacts of  culture. I thought of the birthdays of four year olds in Europe. Among the Indians, it is the children who have to observe and learn, they are not taught how to dance but they observe how the elders dance and imitate them.

If your mind is full of loving kindness, it would be easier to cultivate this generosity of heart.

 

This can be seen in the stark contrast of Networking among Indians and Non-Indians, when non-Indians meet to network, they are interested in, What can YOU do for ME? But when Indians meet each other, it is What can I do for YOU?

It is a great paradox that it is some of the poorest on this earth that is the most generous. Europeans have lost the gift of time, neither to receive nor to give. The Birthday party, last night, lasted well into midnight with singing and dancing, eating together and sharing an atmosphere which have been constant for them for centuries.

As Laurens van der Post had eloquently stated talking about the San/Bushman of Kalahari: these men who continue to cultivate the innocence of children, are the closest on this earth to the original creation of the Great Spirit.

To be with Indians, is to understand this never loosing innocence about the beauty of life and connections and relationships and generosity of spirit.

With all these in mind, we can honestly wish:

May all being s be happy.

Loving kindness does not seek self-benefit.

Loving kindness arises from purity of heart not associated with anything harmful

Many relationships fail because the love is mixed with desire or attachment.

As I write this, at the Reservation of the Omaha Indians in Nebraska, I realize that those who truly need to read this will have no time to read it. I feel my heart full of content with no malice towards anyone, also without any attachment to anybody.

To those who say, I have no time, I will say what the ancient philosophers of all persuasion have said:

When the student is ready, the teacher would appear.

American Indian food at the dance celebration: meat soup with hominy (traditional), FryBread (post contact), pasta salad (modern)

SOCIAL MEDIA AND DIABETES CARE IN AN INDIAN RESERVATION IN THE USA

Today is Wednesday, 11^th March 2015

In a tribal Clinic in a corner of the State of Nebraska, the isolation measured by the distance to the nearest café: 30 miles.

After a very pleasant especially healthy lunch prepared by our tribal nutritionist, a patient was ushered into the consulting room. A tall Indian, very neatly combed hair, and well presented, comes in and sits near me. I insist on my patients sitting near me, rather than opposite me, his face or presence obscured by the computer screens.

Unfortunately he suffers from Anxiety attacks for which the psychiatrist had medicated him with a variety of drugs. His wife has a responsible job within the tribal administration, she is also a patient of mine and I had been pleased with the lifestyle changes they were trying to make.

After the usual pleasantries we began a conversation. You look good, I commented, with sincerity, since I detected a shine of good health on his face. We have been trying to change our eating habits. My advice to them has been to avoid heavily processed foods, limit processed foods, and view with skepticism the claims of Pizza Companies and other food pushers. I like to conclude with Michael Pollan’s words: Food does not come through the windows of your car.

Yes I feel good, he said and we continued our conversation a little longer, talking about the improving weather, with possibilities of increasing physical activities. We do not order a lot of investigations, and I try to explain to them the significance of the tests and also interpret the results or consultations of other physicians he might have seen.

I began with the normal eye examination and thus assuring him that his kidneys would also be equally unaffected. HgbA1C a measure of blood sugar excursions had diminished from the last visit, making him and me happy. Fats in his blood have normalized an indirect measure of a better eating pattern. But when I looked at the Cholesterol levels, I was a little disconcerted to see that the so called bad cholesterol was at 180, a level not preferred.

Normally in our patients with Diabetes if they have higher levels of “bad” cholesterol, we prescribe a medication called Statins. Are you taking any statins? I asked him.

There was a moment of silence. He turns an inquisitive face towards me and asks, Does not Statin medications cause Diabetes or make it worse?

I was taken back, for two reasons. We do try to educate our patients and keep them engaged in their own health, but what surprised me was that the paper critically claiming this association was published only on 5^th March 2015, less than one week ago. I am fortunate enough to read and have time to read a fair bit of medical literature on a daily basis, and I had discussed this paper with my erudite doctor friend in Miami, who also has time to read medical journals and other articles on a regular, leisurely basis.

Yes, it is true, my friend, Statins can cause Diabetes and make Diabetes worse in those who already have it. I am happy you know that. But I want to explain something. This association of Statin and Diabetes is seen only with powerful statins and at a higher dosage level. The Statin I prescribed for you is a mild Statin and at a lower dosage level.

He was happy at the explanation, and said, if you recommend, I would take it. I told him that in light of current knowledge, it is better to protect his heart since he was younger than 40 years of age.

I was curious; I asked him, where did you read about Statins causing Diabetes? And I was not prepared for the answer. I read it in Facebook a couple of days ago!, he said, with a slightly mischievous laugh,

Here sitting in front of me, this humble Indian, who is afraid to go out into a crowd because of his fear of anxiety attacks, living in a village without a café or shop, is so engaged about what affects his health that he has searched and found the information that he wanted to discuss with me.

I silently wondered how many PAs, Nurse Practitioners or Doctors in the State of Nebraska would have known about this research published less than one week ago? Knowing the reading habits of health care providers in this part of the world, I would guess a small percentage.

A theme during the conversation at Lunch time resonated within me, in our small tribal clinic, we try to engage our patients in their health and educate them in a culturally specific fashion so that they receive the education given.  I was extremely pleased with this patient and complimented him. He got up to leave, he seemed taller than normal and the contented look on his face was my reward for working with the Indians.

FOOD SYMBOLISM OF PURIM, THE UNIVERSAL MESSAGE OF THIS CELEBRATION

Today is 13^th of Adar 5775

Yesterday evening, walking home in the evening, the clear fading sky showed the outlines of a bright moon, almost full.

Is the moon full? my little companion asked me. No, but it will be full tomorrow.

I wanted to look up when it would be full, yes, it would be a full moon of joy on 14^th Adar 5775...

And we shall eat Homentashen, (Haman’s pockets) those of us who can procure a piece!

(I may have to substitute Nata, the famous Lisboan pastry instead)

It is the feast and celebration of PURIM. As in many of the celebrations, there is much food symbolism, including the sweet, the chick peas representing the vegetarian diet of Queen Esther (4^th century BCE).

It is good to think of my two brothers on this day.

The Ashkenazi one, in 2009, was in Jerusalem for this celebration and he sent me a photo of two children walking along a busy street, in disguise, as is the custom of children celebrating. In Jerusalem the feast is celebrated on the 15^th Adar

My dear Sephardi brother, who like me grew up in lands, not of his birth (India), nor of his parents (Olav Ha shalom, Iraq and Egypt) wouldn’t be a stranger to the tenets of this festival, the only festival to have a non-Hebrew name! I am sure my brother would like Seudah Purim, the feast; giving alms and sending foods (send some to me brother when I am in the food deserts of North America, serving the Indians!)

What foods do we serve to remind us of this joyous triumph over the evil Prime Minister, Haman? Like the presence of our people in all the 127 provinces of ancient Persian Empire, what did our people eat in distant corners of globe? Needless to say, the food symbolism of Queen Esther’s diet (vegetarian food, to keep kosher, to hide that she was Jewish from the Persian King) is universal but as can be imagined the pastries differ.

börekas, almond “cigars” and candies called figuellos. – (See more at: http://jewishfoodexperience.com/a-different-flavor-of-purim/#sthash.nTPPjlQW.dpuf)

Arany galuska, a dessert consisting of fried dough balls and vanilla custard, is traditional for Jews of Hungarian and Romanian descent.

Special breads are baked among various communities. In Moroccan Jewish communities, Purim bread called Ojos de Haman or Eyes of Haman is sometimes baked in the shape of Haman's head, and the eyes, made of eggs, are plucked out to demonstrate the destruction of Haman.

Among Polish Jews, Koilitch, a raisin Purim challah that is baked in a long twisted ring and topped with small colorful candies, is meant to evoke the colorful nature of the holiday

Orejas de Haman (Haman's Ears) or Hojuelas de Haman. These pastries are also known as Oznei Haman. (Wikipedia entry)

What is the lesson in PURIM for an anthropologist?

The word PURIM, derives from PUR, which I am told is from ancient Persian, meaning LOT. –im suffix is the plural of the word, Lot.

It symbolically denotes the integration of our people into the multitudes of cultures that we have lived among in the past 4000 years: starting with the Egyptians, where they may have spoken Hebrew; two very prominent Hebrew based languages, Yiddish and Ladino, and many more forgotten and nearing extinction idioms: such as judeo-arabic, judeo-persian, judeo-turc.

To me, integrating well into the country of your residence, while not turning away from the fundamental laws of humanity we live by is the lesson that I would reiterate to myself and those around me on this day.

Here are some pictures of Purim specialties from around the world of ours and our ancestors.

sambusak el tewa, iraqi chickpea turnover

Hadgi Badah

Indian spiced Sambusak mixed with Malpua a pastry of Bnei Israeli of Bombay

Borekita, of eggplants, being made by a Washington DC area lady of turkish origin

Who has not enjoyed a good Homentashen? 

Kreplach soup, meat hidden inside the dumplings.

More than 60 years ago, a well-known American Rabbi, in his discourse about Jewish survival had this to say:

On the contrary: Our salvation and our existence depend precisely upon the fact that "their laws are different from those of any other people."

Purim reminds us that the strength of our people as a whole, and of each individual Jew and Jewess, lies in a closer adherence to our ancient spiritual heritage which contains the secret of harmonious life, hence of a healthy and happy life. All other things in our spiritual and temporal life must be free from any contradiction to the basis and essence of our existence, and must be attuned accordingly in order to make for the utmost harmony, and add to our physical and spiritual strength, both of which go hand in hand in Jewish life.

With best wishes for a joyous Purim, and may we live to see a world free of Hamans and all types of Amalekites, the enemies of the Jews, of their body, soul and faith.

(This discourse was given on 1 march 1953, a modern day Haman, Stalin, was struck ill that day and died four days later)

 This is also a special holiday to celebrate the bravery of women, Queen Esther as well as the woman who suggested that Haman be hung!

I am thinking of my mischpochah, in California and North Miami, also in Haifa,

Chag Purim Sameach, Freilichin Purim or Purim Allegre 

 If you know the right people, even at a beach in Mexico, you can get Homentashen

The humble Nata, the famous Lisboan pastry. I have been to the famous shop at Belem in Lisboa where the best Nata comes from, they say.

The following item from Bala Menon, an author of a book on Cochin Jewish cuisien caught my attention (anthropologically speaking)

The Pastel has been a favourite for the Cochinis for several hundred years. The Cochini pastel was mentioned by Shlomo Reinman in the 1850s in his book Masa’oth Shlomo b’Kogin. Reinman was a merchant from Galicia in northwest Spain, who came to Cochin in the 1840s. Pastel is a Portuguese word for a crisp pastry with assorted fillings. In Israel, the pastel’s cousin, the bureka is made with phyllo dough, filled with vegetables, meats or cheese and garnished with sesame seeds. In Cochini homes, burekas are always dairy (with cheese), while cheese is never added to pastels.

It made me think:

Sambusek is of Iraqi origin and the Bnei Israelim make it, showing their recent contact with the more prominent Iraqi Jews 

whereas Paradesi Jews of Cochin, who trace their origin to Spain and Turkey, among other areas have Burekas which are of Spanish origin.

An Interesting thought!

Must bring it up to Rockey Neroth, my good friend from Cochin on my impending visit to Cochin

Just received an email from Teheran, POR in Persian means FULL..

Bon apetite!

Came across this photo of a 1936 Seudah Purim at the Sefardi Society of Washington DC!

AMERICAN FOOD GUIDELINES, BRAZILIAN GUIDE TO BRAZILIAN EATING, MICROBIOME AND WHAT WE SHOULD EAT

AMERICAN FOOD GUIDELINES, BRAZILIAN GUIDE TO BRAZILIAN EATING, MICROBIOME AND WHAT WE SHOULD EAT

United States Food and Drug Administration has issued a new set of rules to guide Americans towards good eating. The scientific value of it is highly dubious and the social value of it negligible.

First of all, a country as diverse as USA cannot issue guidelines for the population. Diversity of cultures, racial and national origins as well as Food Availability. Most importantly, POVERTY.

Lack of availability of food and the means to procure them when they are available is a deadly combination which can turn a healthy country into an unhealthy one in short order. I have personal experience in this matter and have observed how a country which was healthy and lean and without cardiovascular disease or diabetes, within a short period of time became overweight and sick, despite no change , if anything only an increase, in physical activity.

Many of the well-known Public Health oriented Nutritionists, such as Marion Nestle, has commented at the ambiguity of these guidelines from the USA.

Americans tend to embrace fads with ferocity unknown to the civilized people.

It was funny to observe Americans carefully cleaving the egg yolks from their breakfast eggs at hotels. An array of artificial products entered the market. Then came the low Fat Diet, which produced an entire industry of false sugars and possibly contributed to Obesity, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Ill Health. The New guidelines seems to say, come back, all is forgiven! I am sure Egg Industry but not the American chicken would be very happy. Meat is allowed, and as usual no mention of Quality of the meat is mentioned. And the normal chant about Vegetables and Fruits, knowing that apart from an educated populace, less than one in twenty Americans eat the prescribed fruits and vegetables!

When I was a student in Australia, I intuitively realized that eating Australian Food on a daily basis was a sure prescription for ill health and Death, I did not know the reason why at that time, but many years later during my travels to Asia and Europe, I understood the concept of MICROBIOME… eat to please your gut bacteria which has the same ancestral origins as you do. I am a very proud Australian, grateful to the multitudes of gifts it gave me, but I cannot forget that I am only two generations removed from organically grown rice, curried free range chicken and vegetables grown within a few kilometers and seasonal fruits.

So the Guidelines for Food for me (this has to be individualized, as Genetic, ancestral food varies. The neutral ancestral food is Mediterranean) has to take into account:

My Microbiome

Food Availability ( as I travel between Europe, North America, Cuba and Asia) is inconstant and has to be constantly modified. As I work among Native Americans and live among them in their isolated reservations, that comes into the equation as well.

This has created a wild array of food habits.

I just ate a lovely butter soaked croissant and downed it with strong coffee with milk and sugar at a café in Brussels. But I will refuse to it Bread or Croissants while I am in USA. Home made Idlis or Dosai are much welcomed in Cochin, India. I would eat Danone Yogurt in France but not the same brand in the USA as the ingredients are not the same, same goes for Cheese from France and the same brand ( eg: President) made in Wisconsin, USA.

I have a set of good friends in Miami, one of them, Dr W and his wife G, are also foodies but meticulous about what they eat. Our dining sessions (as they go on for hours) usually consist of well prepared meals in good proportion (never fast food, never large portions). Here is one of the more important ingredients of Food: Eat with Friends or Family and don’t eat alone. In Cuba, I never eat alone, and when I do eat, I spend enough time enjoying the company of people I eat with.

When I travel to the remote Indian Reservations, I take food with me from Europe or stop at Trader Joe on the way. Fortunately when consulting with the Lakota in Eagle Butte, the coworkers are cognizant of our collective aim of eating well and good meals are freshly prepared each day.

Unfortunately, many of the developing countries, such as India, Brasil, Malaysia, China among others, equate being progressive and western, by adopting American Fast Food Culture . I don’t see Indians in India lining up at a French Restaurant or an Italian Restaurants but try to get into a Starbucks or McDonalds! Wish you luck.. All these countries have increased their rate of obesity and overweight as well as the chronic diseases they never used to suffer from, at a rapid rate.

In a way, you are what you eat. Or to pun on an old saying

Tell me what you eat, I will tell you what sort of person you are!

Worried about losing the progress Brasil has made under Lula, and the worsening overweight and obesity patterns,  Brasil has issued Food Guidelines and to me it is much more sensible.

Here is a summary of it:

The guidelines are remarkable in that they are based on foods that Brazilians of all social classes eat every day, and consider the social, cultural, economic and environmental implications of food choices.

The guidelines are remarkable in that they are based on foods that Brazilians of all social classes eat every day, and consider the social, cultural, economic and environmental implications of food choices.

Make natural or minimally processed foods the basis of your diet 
   Natural or minimally processed foods, in great variety, mainly of plant origin, are    the basis for diets that are nutritious, delicious, appropriate, and supportive of socially and environmentally sustainable food systems.

   Use oils, fats, salt, and sugar in small amounts for seasoning and cooking foods and to create culinary preparations 
   As long as they are used in moderation in culinary preparations based on natural or minimally processed foods, oils, fats, salt, and sugar contribute toward diverse and delicious diets without rendering them nutritionally unbalanced.

   Limit the use of processed foods, consuming them in small amounts as ingredients in culinary preparations or as part of meals based on natural or minimally processed foods
  The ingredients and techniques used in the manufacture of processed foods – such as vegetables in brine, fruits in syrup, cheeses and breads - unfavourably alter the nutritional composition of the foods from which they are derived.

   Avoid ultra-processed products
   Because of their ingredients, ultra-processed products—such as packaged snacks,   soft drinks, and instant noodles – are nutritionally unbalanced. As a result of their formulation and presentation, they tend to be consumed in excess, and displace natural or minimally processed foods. Their means of production, distribution, marketing, and consumption damage culture, social life, and the environment. 
THE TEN GUIDELINES
Make natural or minimally processed foods the basis of your diet
Use oils, fats, salt, and sugar in small amounts when seasoning and cooking natural or minimally processed foods and to create culinary preparations
Limit consumption of processed foods
Avoid consumption of ultra-processed products
Eat regularly and carefully in appropriate environments and, whenever possible, in company
Shop in places that offer a variety of natural or minimally processed foods
Develop, exercise and share culinary skills
Plan your time to make food and eating important in your life
Out of home, prefer places that serve freshly made meals
Be wary of food advertising and marketing  

It is well understood that in the USA, the food industry has disproportionate power to influence the creation of food guidelines ( eg: the meat industry blocked the inclusion of “eat less meat” in a previous guidelines). The agencies of the government do not have funds to disseminate its own information, and the public relies upon the Food Industry for the information which cannot be said to be unbiased!
Many of the “experts” who recommend the guidelines are either consultants to the Food Industry or have nefarious relationship with the Industry.
I wonder whether there are any Anthropologists involved in the formulation of the Food Guidelines? Looking at the language of the Brazilian Guidelines, it is obvious they had asked Nutritional Anthropologist advice!

EL CAVIAR CUBANO THE CUBAN CAVIAR THE HUMBLE BLACK BEANS

I was happy to see the following article written by two nutritionists from the USA.. they were talking about the humble black beans of Cuba.. a bean that appears regularly at the homes of each and every cuban, regardless of their social standing or profession.

It  has a mythical connotation to Cuban Identity.

Unless for some odd medical reason, if I hear a Cuban say he or she does not like Black Beans, I have to wonder what is running through their minds? are they rejecting their cultural identity?

the above is a typical table at a home in Cuba when you are invited for lunch or dinner. Avocados in season, plenty of rice and plenty of BLACK BEANS, meat of the day, usually it would be chicken, more and more meat are beginning to appear, platanos. There would be enough to eat. I would offer you a glass of wine but in general it is difficult to find, but not the Rum! it would be followed by dessert of some sort and then the strong Cuban coffee..

But lately other variations are beginning to appear, recently I had Burrito made of Black Beans paste which was delicious, people are experimenting with Couscous, Quiche and a variety of other cuisines, and Cubans are very good at making various types of desserts!

Burrito with Black Beans Paste at El Burrito Habanero at 23 y H, Vedado, La Habana

Here is the article about Black Beans:

Nutritional breakdown of black beans

Black beans are prized for their high protein and fiber content.

One-half cup of boiled black beans contains approximately 312 calories.

This measure will also contain 8 grams of protein, 0.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of cholesterol, 20 grams of carbohydrate and 8 grams of dietary fiber.

That same half cup serving provides 10% of daily iron needs, 14% of thiamin, 32% of folate, 15% of magnesium, 12% of phosphorus, 9% of potassium, 6% of zinc, 9% of copper and 19% of manganese needs.

Black beans also offer a variety of phytonutrients like saponins, anthocyanins, kaempferol, and quercetin, all of which possess antioxidant properties.

Possible health benefits of consuming black beans

Maintaining healthy bones

The iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans all contribute to building and maintaining bone structure and strength.4

Calcium and phosphorus are important in bone structure, while iron and zinc play crucial roles in maintaining the strength and elasticity of bones and joints. 99% of the body's calcium supply and 80% of its phosphorus stores are contained in bone, which makes it extremely important to get sufficient amounts of these nutrients from the diet.

Lowering blood pressure

Maintaining a low sodium intake is essential to lowering blood pressure. Black beans are naturally low in sodium and contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium, all of which have been found to decrease blood pressure naturally. Be sure to drain and rinse canned black beans to reduce sodium content.5

Managing diabetes

Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One cup of cooked black beans contributes 15 grams of fiber.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 21-25 grams of fiber per day for women and 30-38 grams per day for men.

Warding off heart disease

The black bean's fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin B6 and phytonutrient content, coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health. The fiber in black beans helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood and decrease the risk of heart disease.

Vitamin B6 and folate prevent the buildup of a compound known as homocysteine. When excessive amounts of homocysteine accumulate in the body, it can damage blood vessels and lead to heart problems.

The quercetin and saponins found in black beans also aid in cardioprotection. Quercetin is a natural anti inflammatory that appears to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and protect against the damage caused by low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.3 Research also indicates that saponins help lower blood lipid and blood cholesterol levels, which prevents damage to the heart and blood vessels.

Preventing cancer

Selenium is a mineral that is not present in most fruits and vegetables but can be found in black beans. It plays a role in liver enzyme function, and helps detoxify some cancer-causing compounds in the body. Additionally, selenium prevents inflammation and also decreases tumor growth rates2

Dietary fiber is commonly recognized as an important factor in weight loss and weight management by functioning as a "bulking agent" in the digestive system. High fiber foods increase satiety and reduce appetite, making you feel fuller for longer and thereby lowering your overall calorie intake.

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like black beans decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality while promoting a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy and overall lower weight.

Saponins prevent cancer cells from multiplying and spreading throughout the body

Fiber intakes from fruits and vegetables like black beans are associated with a lowered risk of colorectal cancer

Black beans are high in folate, which plays a role in DNA synthesis and repair, thus preventing the formation of cancer cells from mutations in the DNA.1

Healthy digestion

Because of their fiber content, black beans help to prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.

Weight loss and satiety

Dietary fiber is commonly recognized as an important factor in weight loss and weight management by functioning as a "bulking agent" in the digestive system. High fiber foods increase satiety and reduce appetite, making you feel fuller for longer and thereby lowering your overall calorie intake.

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like black beans decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality while promoting a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy and overall lower weight.

References

Cancer: fighting it with what you eat, Nematian, Elika, Nutrition 411, reviewed October 2013, accessed 8 July 2014. Anticancer vitamins and minerals, Machowsky, MS, RD, CDN, CSCS, Jason, Nutrition 411, reviewed February 2014, accessed 8 July 2014. Quercetin, University of Maryland, last reviewed June 2011, accessed 2 January 2014. Bone health: looking beyond calcium, Nutrition 411, last reviewed March 2009, accessed 10 July 2013. Lower blood pressure naturally, Robb, Matthew, Today’s Dietitian, accessed 15 July 2014.

(the above article written by: Megan Ware, RDN, LD, registered dietitian and nutritionist and Helen Yuan, nutrition intern, Medical News Today)

DISTORTION OF HEALTH INFORMATION ON INTERNET

HEALTH INFORMATION ON INTERNET DISTORTED BY COMMERCIAL GROUPS

Low Vitamin D Levels Tied To Increased Risk For Type 2 Diabetes.

HealthDay (2/24, Predit) reports that a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, a publication of the Endocrine Society, suggests that “people with low levels of vitamin D appear to have an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, even if they aren’t overweight or obese.” The 150-patient study could not “tease out, however...whether or not vitamin D played a role in causing diabetes or other disorders that affect the metabolism of glucose.”

        The Endocrinology Advisor (2/24, Foster) reports, “In a scientific statement on the non-skeletal effects of vitamin D, the Endocrine Society notes that research suggests that people with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to be obese as well as have type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and metabolic syndrome when compared to” people whose levels of the vitamin are normal. The Daily Mail (UK) (2/24, Davies) also covers the story.

HEALTHDAY is a commercial provider of Health related news, culled from the Internet and watered down and altered to suit the pressures of the commercial world, to buyers who can then distribute it or quote it.

It is presented as if Vitamin D deficiency leads to Diabetes, regardless of your weight.

Obesity is far more common than normal weight in most countries. This study was done in Spain. They dumped together Pre Diabetes which is not a disease but a laboratory paper construction of few abnormal results which are almost always due to Insulin Resistance, which may lead to Type 2 Diabetes. The numbers were very modest, about 15 people in each arm of the study.

I was not impressed with this study. Instead of rushing out to buy Vitamin D tablets , which I am not sure would increase your Vitamin D levels, eat fish and you see your vitamin D levels rise, go out in the sun and exercise a little, your vitamin D levels would rise.

My feeling is that Insulin Resistance and Low Vitamin D levels may both be caused by the similar objects and we have to find what it is, and try to correct it. So we can take care of all these laboratory values and make people feel healthy again.

If doctors tell their patients they are not healthy based on laboratory tests they will not feel that good.

There is growing evidence that changes in microbiome in the gut and their production of inflammatory substances may lead to Obesity and Insulin Resistance. I am inclined to think that there is a connection between this and Hypovitaminosis D. there is emerging evidence that the vitamin D pathway may be important in gut homeostasis and in the signaling between the microbiota and the host.  There is emerging evidence that the vitamin D pathway may be important in gut homeostasis and in the signaling between the microbiota and the host.

Taking Vitamin D tablets are not going to help you prevent Type 2 Diabetes!

( photo above shows a Bedou woman from Sinai. Studies from Israel show that they are deficient in Vitamin D regardless of the fact they live in the desert)

The Vitamin D question has also looked with the cultural context in mind. Most Asians have low Vitamin D levels, Chinese and Japanese more so. Moslem women who cover themselves them head to toe; regardless of whether they are in the Arabian Desert or KL metropolis have lower Vitamin D levels. The vitamin D levels are higher in non-veiled women than veiled women in Middle East and Europe. 

I remember reading an article when I was a Medical Student in London about Punjabi women migrating to Scotland and subsequently suffering from Osteomalacia... lack of sunshine as well as the enriched flour they were using to make their chapatis was leeching the calcium away?

In my opinion, like Cholesterol, vitamin D levels are an indication that something has gone wrong metabolically and just correcting the numbers are not going to bring back the health they have supposed to have lost due to the deficiency of Vitamin D or excess of cholesterol.

Remember, all that bunk about Low Fat is now laid to rest. A few years ago you couldn’t enter a supermarket without seeing thousands of Low Fat items. My advice to my patients living in Indian reservations is: avoid these terms when you see them on a food package

High

Low

Modified

Hydrogenated

Enriched

Natural

In fact most of these words are used to hide some toxic substances or other which may in fact increase

Your cholesterol

Your Insulin Resistance

Your chance of becoming overweight

Your chance of becoming unhealthy….