Ghanaian adults' diets fall short on sustainability, survey finds

A recent study has revealed that the diets of Ghanaian adults and Ghanaian migrants in Europe fall short in terms of sustainability. Led by Prof. Dr. Ina Danquah, an international research team investigated the link between sustainable diets and cardiometabolic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. The study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, surveyed 2,183 participants and found that overall diets were not very sustainable, with little variation among the population.

Diets of older individuals and those with lower education levels were more sustainable, and people who consumed fewer calories also followed more sustainable diets. However, there was no clear association between more sustainable diets and the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes, or hypertension. The researchers suggest that this may be due to the overall low sustainability and limited variation in diets.

The study highlights the potential benefits of sustainable diets, which are both environmentally friendly and nutritious. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing plant-based foods, such as pulses and whole grains, while reducing the intake of red meat and energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods. The findings could help develop dietary practices that offer multiple benefits, including disease prevention, climate protection, affordability, and taste.