Nutrition
Benefits of fresh cow milk
COW milk is a nutrient-rich milk produced by cows that has been a dietary staple for
humans for centuries. It is known for its rich source of essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, vitamins (B12 and D), and minerals. Cow milk is considered healthy for many individuals, providing benefits for bone health, muscle repair, and overall growth.
– Promotes strong bones
Cow milk is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, both of which are essential for maintaining bone density and strength. Regular consumption of milk helps prevent bone disorders like osteoporosis, especially in older adults, as it supports healthy bone development and repair.
– Boosts muscle growth and repair
Cow milk is rich in high-quality protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. This makes it an ideal post-exercise drink to help with muscle repair and growth. The protein in milk also helps sustain muscle mass, which is important as we age.
– Supports heart health
Cow milk contains potassium, a mineral that helps maintain healthy blood pressure by balancing sodium levels in the body. Drinking milk may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by promoting optimal heart function and regulating blood pressure.
-Aids in weight management
The protein and fat content in cow milk can promote satiety and reduce overall calorie intake by keeping you full for longer. Additionally, studies have shown that the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) found in milk may help reduce body fat in some individuals.
– Improves hydration
Cow milk is composed of approximately 90 per cent water, making it a hydrating beverage. Along with providing essential nutrients, milk helps to maintain fluid balance in the body, which is important for overall cellular functions and metabolism.
Source: www.ndtv.com/ health
Nutrition
Stronger leadership, better nutrition – Why Ghana needs a National Nutrition Council
Ghana has no shortage of policies on nutrition. From commitments to global platforms like the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit to local programmes targeting maternal and child health, the frameworks exist. And yet, the numbers tell us we are still lagging behind.
According to the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) 2022, one in five children is chronically malnourished and nearly half of women of reproductive age suffer from anaemia. These are not mere statistics; they are reflections of families struggling, children missing their potential, and a nation paying the price in lost productivity.
So, what is the problem? Coordination.
Nutrition is not the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Health (MoH). It is linked to agriculture through the food we grow, to education through the meals children eat in school, and to social protection through the safety nets that shield vulnerable households. But too often, these sectors work in silos, with overlapping projects and fragmented budgets. The result is duplication of efforts, inefficiency, and reduced impact.
This is why Ghana urgently needs a National Nutrition Council. Not another layer of bureaucracy, but a high-level body reporting directly to the Presidency, with the mandate to align efforts across ministries, secure dedicated financing, and drive accountability.
Other countries have shown the power of such structures. Rwanda established a national nutrition coordination mechanism under the Office of the Prime Minister, and within a decade, it achieved one of the fastest reductions in stunting in Africa. Ethiopia’s Food and Nutrition Council has also provided the political leadership needed to keep nutrition at the centre of national planning.
Ghana can and must follow suit. A National Nutrition Council will mean that nutrition is no longer buried in the fine print of health sector budgets but elevated to the level of national development strategy. It will mean that Parliament can hold a single accountable body to answer for progress, and civil society can monitor with clarity.
The time has come to stop managing nutrition as an afterthought. A council will give Ghana the leadership structure to match its ambitions. Without it, our pledges, no matter how bold, risk fading into the background noise of unfinished business.
Feature article by Women, Media and Change under its Nourish Ghana: Advocating for Increased Leadership to Combat Malnutrition Project in collaboration with Eleanor Crook Foundation
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Nutrition
Corn flour doughnut ‘Awiesu’
Ingredients
-2 cups of corn flour
-3 tablespoonfuls of nutmeg
-Half cup of groundnut
– Half cup of sugar
– Salt to taste
-Oil
Preparation
-Put water on fire to boil
-Scoop a portion of the corn and mix with water
-Pour mixture to boiling water and stir
– Continue stirring to avoid lumps
– Add salt, sugar, nutmeg and stir
-The mixture now turns into thick form (like banku)
-Pour thick mixture into a wide bowl and allow it to cool.
-Add corn flour bit by bit to the thick mixture and mix into a thick dough.
-Roll the dough between the palms to form an oblong shape with clean hands.
– Insert groundnut in shaped dough (The groundnut used has to be a raw groundnut and normally the covering is removed by just rubbing it in between the palms).
– Put oil on fryer and deep fry dough until it turns into golden brown.
-Aweisu can be served as snack with sobolo, asana etc.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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