Admit it: When faced with a steaming plate of Southern food, it’s hard not to melt like the butter dripping down those fluffy biscuits. The chicken and waffles! Those grits and gravy! How can a girl say no? Alas, that savory Southern fare is accompanied by some serious downsides. According to recent research from the University of Alabama Birmingham, eating Southern favorites on a regular basis increases your risk of stroke. Researchers compared the eating habits of more than 20,000 middle-aged participants, and identified a dietary pattern in each individual: Some were convenience eaters (heavy on the pizza and takeout), others followed a plant-based plan (mostly fruits, veggies, and legumes), another subset were devotees of sweets and fats, while the final group noshed mainly on traditional Southern cuisine. (For those unfamiliar with the culinary ways of the South, think plenty of fried foods—we’re talking fried chicken, liver sandwiches, battered fish, French fries, bacon, ham, and everyone’s favorite: gizzards. All washed down with a jar of sweet tea.) Individuals who adhered to the Southern diet were 41% more likely to suffer from a stroke. Plant-based eaters, on the other hand, actually enjoyed a 29% risk reduction. Other eating habits weren’t associated with any increased or decreased stroke danger. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the Southern palate has been implicated in health woes: Southerners are about 20% more likely to suffer a stroke than individuals in other regions of the country, a previous study found. Short of migrating north to escape all that salty, cholesterol-laden goodness, what’s a gal to do? Never fear, Southern food lovers: Paula Deen is here with a solution. We took five of the butter-lovin’ belle’s favorite foods and gave them a healthy makeover. Check out 5 Comfort Food Swaps For Paula Deen to enjoy irresistible Southern food flavors—minus the health risks. Questions? Comments? Contact Prevention’s News Team.
