'Stroke belt' mystery: Fried fish may be to blame for higher death rate

The "Southern Fried" stereotype is alive and well! Perhaps a little less here in Florida, where we prefer to grill our seafood. But Blackened or Fried Catfish, Snapper, and Grouper are the bee's knees, mmmmm! Of all the Deep South folks I've met/know, fried foods and lard/bacon containing dishes are a staple for them.
I've met Louisianans who wrinkled up their noses at the notion of grilled shrimp or grilled fish---because it's not good if it's not battered and fried.
All things in moderation, I say. Unfortunately some regional cultures in the US have deeply entrenched bad food habits.