Soul Food

IS SOUL FOOD DESTROYING OUR SOULS?
by Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu

Have you ever heard in Black culture someone say to another "I’m going home to grease?" or "Mama can sure burn." Do they mean that literally? Is there a lot of grease in soul food? Do African Americans like their food well done or almost burnt? Do greens and beans require pork to satisfy as soul food? Is this a legacy from slavery that remains with us 135 years later?

Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu has written an excellent book, Satan! I’m Taking Back My Health. While the author acknowledges America has a health problem, African Americans are dying in record numbers to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, What is more tragic is that it is occurring in earlier ages, many African American women will spend the last two decades of their lives as widows. Is soul food destroying our souls?

Dr. Kunjufu describes a typical church service that calls out the names of the people on the sick and shut-in list. They then mention they are serving ham, fried chicken, and pork chops after service! There appears to be no realization that diet maybe contributing to the sick and shut-in list. What I enjoyed most about the book was how God has given us healing scriptures, fasting, and prayer to overcome our illness. Dr. Kunjufu is very critical of churches who offer a soul food diet, no healing hands, or intercessory prayer.

There was so much information in the book about diet, vitamins, herbs, enemas, colonics, exercise, and fasting. How could the country that consumes the most milk have the greatest incidence of osteoporosis? What happens to food not eliminated that remains in the body indefinitely at 98 degree temperature? Why has diabetes reached epidemic proportions in the African American community? Is there a relationship between diabetes and sugar drowning the Black community? Does soul food require five pounds of sugar?

Dr. Kunjufu is equally critical of the medical community that only receives three hours of nutrition courses and often does not reflect exemplary health. He is more concerned about patients who have relinquished all responsibility for their health to doctors. Many Americans have never made a health decision and blindly follow their doctors. This book is essential for the 44 million Americans who lack health insurance. Twenty-five percent of African Americans are without health insurance.

If cancer is a result of a weak immune system no longer able to fight off cancer cells, are there other approaches to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation? This book is filled with alternative treatments and healing centers.

Dr. Kunjufu is well aware that it is tough to change old dietary habits. One chapter of the book is on lifestyles. How long will it take to break the legacy of slavery? Does pork have to be served at every meal? Do we live to eat or eat to live? Will Black America ever see a holiday feast that will include soy burgers, tofu patties, meatless red beans, cabbage, greens, salad, and carrot juice?

Satan, I’m Taking Back My Health provides a blueprint for those who want to live longer, feel better, and enjoy all that God has planned for them.

Dr. Kunjufu is the author of 18 books including Countering The Conspiracy To Destroy Black Boys, Adam! Where Are You? Why Most Black Men Don’t Go To Church, and Restoring The Village, Values, and Commitment Solutions For The Black Family.