Patronize Local Meals And Cut Down Fast Food Intake--Ghanaians Advised

The Ghana Medical Association is urging Ghanaians to cut down intake of fast foods and patronize more local meals in order to avoid non-communicable diseases. Their humble plea to Ghanaians comes on the back of increasing number of reported cases of cardiovascular and diabetic diseases.

According to the Ghana Medical Association, the alarming number of cardiovascular diseases and diabetic conditions reported at hospitals recently is as a result of the consumption of fast. They are cautioning the general public against the high intake of fatty foods as well as other unhealthy lifestyles adopted by Ghanaians.

Speaking at a health screening exercise conducted in some rural communities in the central region as part of the 60 years anniversary of the Ghana Medical Association, Central Regional Chairman of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr. Justice Arthur has encouraged the general public to stick to the locally made meals that are low in fat and contains the needed nutrients the body needs in high quantity.

“We are educating people to stick to the local food which is very rich with no side effects rather than going in for fast foods and pastries which usually is full of fats”, Dr. Arthur emphasized.

He however explained that they are not against the intake of fast foods but they are rather pleading with Ghanaians to be wary of the amount of fat they consume. He assures that fast foods are healthy. Just that they are accompanied by high fat which is not can have negative impact on the body.

“So we are not to depart from such food because it has been proven to be healthy so it is of concern. That is why in managing non-communicable diseases we are educating people to stick to the local food which is very rich with no side effects rather than going for fast food and pastries which usually is full of fat, sugar and salt. We think the food that is prepared at the fast food joint or restaurants which has excess salt, sugar and fat is healthy but the good food is usually the vegetable soup and other things which is eaten in the community”, he added.