A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that a diet based on cultural food preferences, rather than U.S. government benchmarks, is more likely to help ward off preeclampsia, a dangerous type of high blood pressure during pregnancy. The study, conducted by researchers at the USC Keck School of Medicine, found that a combination of solid fats, refined grains, and cheese was linked to higher rates of preeclampsia among a group of low-income Latinas in Los Angeles. In contrast, women who ate vegetables, fruits, and meals made with healthy oils were less likely to develop the illness. The study suggests that dietary recommendations for pregnant Latinas should incorporate more foods from their culture.
