Nutrition
Dietary management of prostate cancer
Eat balanced diet
In this new chapter, we will be discussing how we can manage prostate cancer with our diet.
Prostate cancer, although rare in men under 40 years, is the third most common cause of cancer deaths in men of all ages. The prostate is a gland below a man’s bladder that wraps around the urethra (the passage that guides urine out of the body).
Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer may include:
● Problems passing urine, such as pain, difficulty starting or stopping the stream of urine, or dribbling.
● Frequent urination
● Lower back pain
● Pain with ejaculation
The level of a substance called prostate specific antigen (PSA), is often high in men with prostate cancer, so doctors check the level of PSA as a way to screen for prostate cancer. Since the PSA test became common, most prostate cancers are found before they cause symptoms. Notwithstanding, a lot of people present late and little or nothing can be done for them. But be aware that PSA can also be high in other conditions.
In as much as the ultimate management is surgical and/or medical, lifestyle modification and nutrition can go a long way in preventing prostate cancer.
Foods to include
● Fiber rich foods such as; whole foods, fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts.
● Lycopene rich foods such as; tomatoes, water melon, sweet pepper, and red grapes.
● Omega-3 fatty acid rich foods such as; salmon, flaxseed, anchovies, and sardines.
● Selenium rich foods such as; mushrooms, shrimps, Brazil nuts, salmon, and oatmeal.
● Vitamin E rich foods such as; spinach, almonds, and asparagus.
● Vitamin C rich foods such as; oranges, tangerines, pineapples, and lemons.
Foods to avoid
● Red meat such as; beef, mutton, and chevon.
● Dairy products such as; milk, butter, cheese, yogurt and custard.
● Highly processed foods such as; sugary drinks, syrups and jams, and candies.
● Saturated fatty foods such as; pastries, deep fried foods, and lard.
● Highly salted foods such as; salted nuts, salted beef, salted fish, and potato chips.
Lifestyle modification
Modifying our lifestyle from a predominantly sedentary lifestyle to incorporating exercises like going for walks, jogging, and riding bicycles, as well as avoiding late-night high-calorie meals, excessive alcohol intake, and cigarette smoking will serve to prolong our healthy life and prevent prostate cancer from being our burden.
In conclusion, our strength and zeal is highest in our youth and we should take full advantage of this by changing our lifestyle now for the better and incorporating a healthy diet that will keep us free from such a diagnosis in our mid and elderly life.
The writer, Bernice Asare Korkor, is the CEO of Holistic Health Consult
“Your diet your health, your health your wealth”
E-mail: holistichealthconsultgh@gmail.com
Nutrition
Benefits of sheabutter
Shea butter is a fatty substance derived from the nuts of the African shea tree. Sheabutter has gained popularity in the Western world as a natural alternative to traditional beauty products and as a food ingredient.
Unrefined, raw shea butter is the best option for food preparation as it has not been treated with any chemicals and retains its natural properties.
-Shea butter is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is particularly rich in vitamin A and vitamin E, which are both known to be beneficial for the skin. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy skin and eyes, while vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays and environmental toxins. Shea butter also contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin F, and zinc. Shea butter is a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
-Traditionally, Shea butter is used in cooking. It is used as a cooking oil, as well as an ingredient in soups, stews, and porridges. Another way Shea butter is consumed is as a spread on bread and as a dip for vegetables. It is also an ingredient used to make a type of fermented porridge called koko, which is made with millet, sorghum, or other grains and flavored with spices, peanuts, and Shea butter. Additionally, Shea butter is used in some traditional confections and candy sweets.
– Shea butter has been traditionally used to treat a variety of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also be beneficial for those with joint and muscle pain.
-Eating shea butter may also benefit weight management as it is relatively low in calories and high in healthy fats. It can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied, which can help to prevent overeating and weight gain.
-As previously mentioned, Shea butter is also rich in vitamins and nutrients. It is a great source of Vitamin E that helps maintain healthy skin and eyes, and strengthen the body’s immune system against illness and infection.
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Nutrition
Nutrition as smart economics: Why Ghana must invest in it
When national development is discussed, the spotlight often falls on roads, factories, employment, and technology. Yet, one of the most powerful engines of economic growth remains overlooked: nutrition. A well-nourished population is not just healthier, it is smarter, more productive, and better positioned to drive Ghana’s transformation.
The hidden cost of malnutrition
Malnutrition is not only a public health crisis; it is a silent drain on the economy. According to the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS 2022), countries lose up to 3percent of GDP annually due to poor nutrition. For Ghana, this means billions of cedis lost every year through lower productivity, weaker educational outcomes, and soaring healthcare costs. Malnutrition robs the nation of its human capital; the very foundation of sustainable growth.
Nutrition: An investment, not an expense
The evidence is clear: nutrition delivers some of the highest returns on investment of any development intervention. Every cedi spent on nutrition generates multiple benefits:
Higher productivity: Healthy, well-fed workers contribute more to the economy.
Better education outcomes: Children who eat balanced diets learn faster and perform better in school.
Reduced healthcare costs: Preventing malnutrition lowers the burden of disease and reduces long-term treatment expenses.
In short, nutrition is not charity, it is smart economics. Ghana cannot afford to postpone action.
Why Ghana must act now
Ghana has already made bold commitments at the 2025 Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit, pledging to halve child stunting and reduce anemia in women. But without adequate financing and political will, these promises risk becoming empty words.
Nutrition interventions such as exclusive breastfeeding promotion, school feeding programmes, and micronutrient supplementation require sustained investment. Without dedicated budget lines and accountability measures, the cycle of malnutrition will continue to undermine development.
A call for leadership and accountability
Nutrition must be placed at the heart of Ghana’s development strategy. Policymakers, parliamentarians, and development partners need to treat nutrition with the same urgency as infrastructure or energy. Civil society organizations, the media, and citizens must also play their part by demanding accountability and ensuring that nutrition remains high on the national agenda.
The truth is simple: a nation cannot grow on an empty stomach. By investing in nutrition today, Ghana secures a healthier, wealthier, and more resilient future. A nourished Ghana is not just a healthier nation; it is a stronger, more prosperous one, ready to achieve its vision of inclusive growth.
