Nutritious foods, malnourished children: Researchers explore hidden nutrition gap in Saboba
Communities in northern Ghana may be sitting on a rich source of nutritious local foods but missing out on their full health benefits due to limited knowledge on how to prepare and combine them. A food science research team from KNUST working in the Saboba District of the Northern Region says several locally available food […]
Communities in the Saboba District of northern Ghana have a wealth of locally available nutritious foods, yet their full potential is hindered by limited knowledge on preparation and combination. Researchers from KNUST are addressing this nutrition gap by working with community members to improve meal preparation using locally available ingredients.
The study documented over 50 food commodities and 20 indigenous foods and stews consumed in the district, but found that the nutritional value of some prepared meals did not match the nutrient content of individual ingredients. With support from UNESCO's OWSD, researchers co-developed five standardised soup recipes with community members, taking into account seasonal ingredient availability.
They also identified soybeans and shea leaves as promising ingredients to enhance dietary diversity and nutritional value in Saboba. However, further research is needed to ensure the safety and optimal use of these ingredients for human consumption. The findings aim to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical interventions for improved household nutrition.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
