Nutrition
Benefits of Dawada
The African Locust bean, commonly referred to as “Dawadawa” by Ghanaians is a local seasoning used in soups and stews. It is rich in diverse nutrients and has great health benefits to Africans who consume it.
-Good vision
Due to the natural ingredients and nutrients found in the African locust bean, it makes it therefore one of the best treatments of bad vision and eye issues such as Myopia, Cataract and even minus eyes.
-It can treat stroke
Stroke is caused when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly obstructed by any substance which is fatal and dangerous to the health of individuals.
Research shows that consuming a good amount of African locust beans will definitely help you against such sickness.
-Reduces cholesterol
Cholesterol can cause blockage within the blood vessels thereby reducing the flow of blood to the heart which will definitely lead to heart issues. Eating locust beans can help your body burn the amount of cholesterol found in our bodies.
-Treat Diarrhoea
Due to the amount of tannin found in the African locust beans, it can cure diarrhoea, which is a gastrointestinal disorder with the symptoms of frequent watery bowel movements. Consuming African locust beans will help relieve you of diarrhoea
-Treat hypertension
Hypertension also referred to as high blood pressure is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently increasing above the normal level. Therefore consuming a good amount of African Locust beans will help people with hypertension.
-Helps control blood sugar level
The human body requires sugar to produce enough energy but it should be stable otherwise if unstable, it will cause diabetes. Therefore consuming African locust beans will help you control blood sugar level.
-Improve digestion
Eating a good amount of African locust beans can improve digestion. Good digestion will give you a healthy body as the excretion process in the body will be facilitated which will prevent constipation.
-Healthy weight
Underweight is not healthy and vice-versa. It is not easy to have normal weight or for the underweight to gain weight. Eating African locust bean will help you gain weight in a natural way.
-Heal Wounds
As mentioned above it can be used to treat ulcer wounds internally as well as external wounds. The leaves when pounded can be applied on wounds and the beans can be put on the wound to heal the wounds.
-Reduce Fever
Consuming a good amount of African locust beans can reduce fever. It was traditionally used to reduce high fever which is still practiced in some rural African communities and also send away evil spirits because of its unpleasant smell.
African locust beans is one of the best gift of God to Africans but sadly, only a few see this, it consist of many vital nutrients which are cherished by the body. Therefore regular consumption of healthy African locust beans will give you good health
Source: https://gh.opera.news
Groundnut oil has essential nutrients. It is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy fats. Additionally, it contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports healthy skin and eyes. Groundnut oil also provides phytosterols, plant compounds that help lower cholesterol levels, and resveratrol, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
– Heart Health
The high content of unsaturated fats in groundnut oil makes it an excellent choice for heart health. These fats help reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL cholesterol) and increase good cholesterol levels (HDL cholesterol), thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases.
-Rich in antioxidants
Wood Pressed Groundnut oil contains vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress. Antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralising harmful free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes.
-Aids digestion
Groundnut oil is gentle on the digestive system, making it easy to digest. It also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, promoting overall digestive health.
-Boosts immune system
The presence of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in wood pressed groundnut oil enhances the immune system’s ability to fight off infections and diseases.
– Weight management
Despite being calorie-dense, cold pressed groundnut oil can be part of a balanced diet. Its healthy fat content helps in making you feel full and satisfied, reducing overall calorie intake.
– Stable at high temperatures
Groundnut oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for deep frying and high-heat cooking methods. Unlike some other oils, it does not break down and release harmful compounds at high temperatures.
Using groundnut oil can contribute to your overall well-being. However, like all oils, moderation is key. It’s important to use any oil, including groundnut oil, in moderation to maintain a balanced and healthy diet.
In conclusion, groundnut oil stands as a testament to nature’s bounty, offering not only a delightful culinary experience but also a myriad of health benefits.
For the past thirty years, Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) has transformed the treatment of severe acute malnutrition in children. Before its introduction in the late 1990s, children suffering from severe wasting often required prolonged hospital stays, intensive medical care, and constant supervision. Today, many of these children can recover safely at home or within their communities under the guidance of trained health workers. This innovation has saved millions of lives across more than 70 countries and changed the global response to child malnutrition.
Severe acute malnutrition, also known as severe wasting, is one of the deadliest forms of malnutrition. It weakens the immune system, slows growth and development, and increases a child’s risk of death significantly. Common illnesses such as diarrhoea, pneumonia, and malaria become far more dangerous when children are malnourished. Globally, undernutrition is linked to nearly half of all deaths among children under five years, with the highest risk among children under the age of two In Ghana alone, an estimated 68,517 children are affected by severe acute malnutrition, according to the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey.
RUTF has proven to be one of the most effective tools in treating severe wasting, and is central to the Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) framework — the globally endorsed model for delivering SAM treatment at the community level, outside of hospital settings The peanut-based paste is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals and requires no refrigeration, water, or cooking, making it practical for low-resource settings. When treatment begins early and supplies are consistently available, recovery rates range between 75 and 90 percent, at an estimated treatment cost of approximately USD 45 to 60 per child making RUTF one of the most cost-effective interventions in global health. Children often recover within six to ten weeks, regaining strength and healthy weight rapidly.
Despite these successes, access to treatment remains critically low. Globally, fewer than one in four children who need therapeutic food are able to receive it. The challenge today is no longer about whether treatment works; the evidence is clear. The real challenge is financing and consistent supply.
Many countries, including Ghana, have already taken important steps. RUTF is included in Ghana’s Essential Medicines List and Standard Treatment Guidelines, and hundreds of health workers have been trained to manage severe acute malnutrition within communities, including through Ghana’s Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound network. However, procurement of therapeutic food still relies heavily on donor support, making supplies vulnerable to funding cuts and disruptions. As a result, some districts have access to treatment while others do not, even when malnutrition rates are equally high.
Addressing child malnutrition requires stronger political commitment and sustainable financing. Integrating RUTF into national health financing systems, including the National Health Insurance Scheme, could help ensure that children receive timely treatment regardless of where they live. Achieving this would require establishing clear RUTF reimbursement protocols within the NHIS claims framework, alongside dedicated national budget allocations for therapeutic food procurement. The infrastructure and knowledge already exist. What is needed now is sustained investment and prioritization.
Three decades of therapeutic food have shown that severe acute malnutrition is highly treatable. No child should die from a condition that can be managed with proven, lifesaving nutrition support. The progress made is significant, but the revolution remains incomplete until every child who needs treatment can access it.
Feature article by Women, Media and Change under its Nourish Ghana: Advocating for Increased Leadership to Combat Malnutrition project.
