[surge]

Chow chow, sweet potatoes, beets, corn, etc.

To me the fried stuff and BBq is the once a week or less meals that are considered reserved for a big family sit down dinner or special occasions, they aren't an everyday thing. I wouldn't say we eat more of it then say any other region eats pizza, burgers or other traditionally unhealthy foods.

That said the years of poverty does have a distinct effect on the culture and work ethic here. I wouldn't be surprised if it had an effect on diet and physiological effects.

Our dinner last night was some baked chicken with italian seasoning, and potatoes and carrots similarly baked with same seasoning. Wasn't that healthy, albeit healthier than most non-vegetarian meals, but certainly wasn't fried.

That said, I know quite a few people with heart disease, etc, and honestly, I can say diet definitely played a role in it, as well as possible smoking/drinking.