The British Medical Journal has just published a research article documenting the improvement in the health of the Cuban population following the collapse of support by the Soviet Union. (it is well summarised with an interesting infographic in The Independent http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/the-cuban-diet-eat-less-exercise-more--and-preventable-deaths-are-halved-8566603.html)
As a result of this loss of support, "food and fuel were in short supply in Cuba from 1990 resulting in millions going hungry and having to abandon their vehicles and walk.Cars and buses virtually disappeared from the roads as fuel supplies dried up, and farmers had to abandon motorised machines and work the fields manually. The Government issued one million bicycles to keep the population on the move.
Between 1990 and 1995, the average Cuban consumed fewer calories than they expended each day, leading to an average weight loss of 5kg.
Deaths from diabetes began to fall in 1996, five years after the start of the weight loss period, and remained low for six years. Deaths from heart disease and stroke which had been declining slowly since 1980 suddenly went into free fall from 1996."
But the message is contained in the four words "eat less, exercise more". We don't need to starve ourselves but we could all reduce our food intake a bit. We don't have to abandon the car completely, either, but perhaps walking a little more.......?
A simple message, but the benefits for health could be enormous.
Author: Michael Monk
As a result of this loss of support, "food and fuel were in short supply in Cuba from 1990 resulting in millions going hungry and having to abandon their vehicles and walk.Cars and buses virtually disappeared from the roads as fuel supplies dried up, and farmers had to abandon motorised machines and work the fields manually. The Government issued one million bicycles to keep the population on the move.
Between 1990 and 1995, the average Cuban consumed fewer calories than they expended each day, leading to an average weight loss of 5kg.
Deaths from diabetes began to fall in 1996, five years after the start of the weight loss period, and remained low for six years. Deaths from heart disease and stroke which had been declining slowly since 1980 suddenly went into free fall from 1996."
But the message is contained in the four words "eat less, exercise more". We don't need to starve ourselves but we could all reduce our food intake a bit. We don't have to abandon the car completely, either, but perhaps walking a little more.......?
A simple message, but the benefits for health could be enormous.
Author: Michael Monk