Ghanaians should choose local, high fibre foods to manage blood sugar – Dietician
Principal Nutrition Officer and Dietician at University of Ghana Medical Centre Emelia Dery Gbogr, is urging Ghanaians to pay greater attention to their diets by consuming more locally available foods that are rich in fibre, potassium and other essential nutrients.
Dietician Emelia Dery Gbogor has advised Ghanaians to prioritize local, high-fibre foods to help manage their blood sugar levels. During a segment on Joy FM Super Morning Show, she emphasized the importance of consuming traditional grains, cereals, and vegetables that provide essential nutrients to support the body's functions and maintain healthy blood sugar.
Among these locally available foods, fonio was highlighted as an excellent choice due to its high fibre, potassium, and protein content, along with its low glycemic index.
The dietitian explained that foods with a low glycemic index can help slow down the rate at which glucose enters the bloodstream, which is crucial for managing blood sugar levels. Individuals with insulin resistance or other conditions that affect blood sugar regulation should be particularly mindful of their dietary choices. Gbogor stressed the need for high-fibre foods that naturally slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, thereby helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Concerns were raised about the rising incidence of diabetes and hypertension among younger populations, a trend that was historically more common in older adults. The dietician attributed this shift to changes in diet and lifestyle, particularly the increasing consumption of refined and processed foods that are lower in nutritional value but higher in calories. These "empty calories" can have a detrimental impact on overall health and contribute to lifestyle-related health issues.
Gbogor urged the public to make healthier food choices by incorporating more natural, minimally processed foods and fiber-rich grains like fonio into their diets. While she encouraged everyone to take these steps, she advised those with pre-existing health conditions to seek personalized dietary guidance from qualified healthcare professionals.
She concluded by emphasizing that increased awareness of healthy eating habits, coupled with regular medical check-ups and professional advice, could significantly help reduce the burden of diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle-related conditions in Ghana.
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