Excessive consumption of processed meat can expose one to cancer – Health expert  

Ghanaians have been cautioned against the excessive consumption of processed meats such as sausages, bacon and hot dogs and are being encouraged to embrace locally available fish, eggs and other nutritious foods as part of a balanced diet.

Dr Saiid Kwasi Adu of the Last Homoeopathic Clinic raised concerns about dietary habits and their correlation to tumours and cancers in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Takoradi.

He said Ghana’s local food resources, particularly fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits and legumes, could contribute significantly to meeting nutritional needs, when incorporated into a balanced diet.

However, processed meats were products preserved through methods such as curing, salting, smoking or fermentation, he said.

The World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified processed meat as carcinogenic to humans, based on sufficient evidence linking its consumption to colorectal cancer.

Dr Adu urged parents and caregivers to adopt healthier food preparation methods and provide children with varied meals that supported growth and development.

“Fish, for instance, provides protein and important nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, which support children’s development,” he added.

He stated that eggs, likewise, provided high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, while vegetables, fruits and legumes contributed vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre.

He said families should make informed dietary choices rather than rely heavily on convenient processed products at the expense of nutritious local alternatives.

Dr Adu said greater appreciation of locally available foods could help families make healthier choices while, supporting local food producers and reducing unnecessary dependence on heavily processed products.

GNA