Nutrition
Health benefits of wheat
Wheat flour is a powder made from the grinding of wheat used for human consumption.
1. For healthy skin and hair
The main benefit of wheat flour is that it has a positive effect on our body. It contains selenium, an antioxidant that is an essential element to fight against harmful infections. It also helps the scalp from g etting dry and prevents dandruff. The whole wheat grain has a zinc and vitamin E element that helps in getting lustrous hair, nourishes the hair and protects them from damage. It also helps in skintightening and anti-ageing.
2. Aids digestion
The richness of fibre present in the whole wheat grain has multi -dimensional effects on our body. It is not only good for aiding good digestion but also helps in clearing harmful toxins from the body. The antibacterial properties of whole wheat grain help in the reduction of the adverse effects of digestive tracts and help to improve the interstitial health tract. With a good digestive system, the overall health of the body also improves. It has a positive effect on the skin and hair.
3. Prevents weight gain
Researches suggest that eating rich fibre food can help in the re duction of weight and lowers the risk of obesity. Studies also suggest that whole wheat grain helps to cut down the bad fat from the body and helps in the distribution in the body. In fact, it was also suggested that if a person is having three meals of whole wheat grain daily then the body mass index (BMI) will be lowered.
4. High in nutrients and fibre
Whole wheat flour is rich in vitamins, fibres, magnesium, zinc an d proteins. The whole wheat has a high content of zinc. It is also a rich source of Vitamin B. It contains a good amount of minerals such as zinc, iron, magnesium, and manganese. Antioxidants are also found in whole wheat.
5. Cleanses the system
Wheat stimulates clean blood and eliminates harmful bacteria which is considered the best detox diet. Diseases such as headache, joint pain and bloating can be relaxed with the consumption of whole wheat grain. Consumption of wheat helps in reviving constipation because of the presence of fibre that detoxifies the system and maintains a healthy colon and intestine.
6. Reduction in chronic inflammation
Inflammation is the cause of many chronic diseases. One of the main benefits of using wheat flour is that it reduces inflammation. Adding whole wheat to your diet can not only help in the reduction of infl ammation but also reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
7. Improves mental health
The fact is that vitamin B and E, which are present in whole wheat help in energy generation and also maintains the healthy DNA in the body.
Vitamin B is said to comprise eight classes of vitamins. Of these, the Vitamin B complex is the most known but it is water-soluble by nature, our body cannot retain this vitamin. Therefore including Vitamin B complex in our diet is good for inflammatory regulations in the brain and s ubclinical mental illness. Vitamin E is a good source of preventing memory-related diseases.
8. Lowers the risk of heart diseases
The biggest health benefit of using whole grains is that it lowe rs therisk of heart disease. Studies show that three (28-gram) meals of whole grains daily are good for the health of the heart. Researchers found that whole grain diets are good for maintaining a healthy heart over refine d grains.
9. Reduces the risk of cancer
Studies show that including whole wheat in your diet may help in reducing the risk of skin cancer. The presence of selenium in whole wheat helps in that process. It also helps in nourishing the skin and maintaining radiance. Wheat has the benefit of eliminating colorectal cance r which is a common type of cancer.
Source: indiagateflours
Nutrition
The First 1,000 Days: Why Ghana’s investment in maternal and child nutrition matters for human capital development
From the start of pregnancy to a child’s second birthday, the first 1,000 days, represents the most important window for human development. Good nutrition shapes the foundation.
During this short window, the body and brain grow at a pace that will never be repeated. When nutrition is inadequate, the damage to physical growth and cognitive development is often permanent. No later investment in education or healthcare can fully reverse these losses. Ghana’s future workforce and economic progress depend on getting nutrition right during this critical period.
Science is clear. A baby’s brain develops rapidly during pregnancy and early childhood, forming the foundation for all future learning and health. Adequate nutrients during pregnancy support the formation of neural connections that underpin learning, memory, and emotional regulation. When pregnant women lack essential nutrients, their babies begin life at a disadvantage. When young children experience severe malnutrition, they miss critical growth periods that do not return.
Ghana faces serious challenges during this critical window. An estimated 68,517 children suffer from severe acute malnutrition. Between 37 and 63 percent of pregnant women are anemic, with iron deficiency particularly common in late pregnancy. These problems translate directly into diminished potential. Malnourished children perform worse in school, earn less as adults, and face higher risks of chronic diseases. The economic losses multiply across generations.
Research worldwide shows that nutrition investments during the first 1,000 days deliver exceptional returns. Well-nourished children learn better, perform better academically, and become more productive adults. Countries that invest in early nutrition experience faster economic growth through stronger, more productive workforces.
Ghana already has effective solutions. Multiple Micronutrient Supplements for pregnant women reduce the risk of low birth weight and preterm birth, while Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food enables high recovery rates for children with severe acute malnutrition. Both are approved in Ghana’s health guidelines. The problem is not lack of knowledge but lack of access. Coverage remains limited because financing depends heavily on donor support rather than sustainable domestic systems.
Integrating these nutrition interventions into the National Health Insurance Scheme would help close this gap. With a large proportion of mothers and young children already enrolled, NHIS provides a platform for nationwide reach. Recent reforms to health financing further strengthen the case for prioritising essential nutrition services within the scheme.
Ghana’s development agenda emphasizes industrialisation, innovation, and economic transformation. Achieving these goals requires a workforce capable of learning, problem-solving, and sustained productivity. Human capital development, however, does not begin at universities or training centers. It begins before birth.
The first 1,000 days offer no second chances. Each year of delay means another group of children enter adulthood carrying preventable disadvantages. Investing in nutrition during this critical window is not only a health priority; it is a foundational investment in Ghana’s economic future.
Feature article by Womec, Media and Change under its Nourish Ghana: Advocating for Increased Leadership to Combat Malnutrition project
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Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar (Hijri) calendar, is a period of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth. A vital part of observing Ramadan is Iftar—the evening meal with which Muslims break their daily fast at sunset. Fruits play an essential role in Iftar, providing nutrition, hydration, and energy after long hours of fasting.
Here are some of the most recommended fruits to include in your Ramadan meals:
Dates
Dates are traditionally used to break the fast. They are rich in sugar, fibre, potassium, vitamins, and minerals, helping to restore energy quickly after fasting.
Watermelon
Watermelon is highly consumed for hydration, as it is composed mostly of water. It can be enjoyed in slices or blended into refreshing smoothies.
Bananas
Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, which helps maintain fluid balance and reduce thirst. They also provide natural energy to keep you going after fasting.
Apples
Apples are fibre-rich and nutritious, promoting heart health, aiding weight management, and improving digestion.
Cucumber
Cucumber is one of the best hydrating fruits, composed of water and fibre, which aids digestion while revitalising the body.
Pawpaw (Papaya)
Pawpaw is low in calories and sugar, rich in fibre, and promotes healthy digestion, hair, and skin. It is a nutritious addition to any Iftar meal.
Including a variety of these fruits during Ramadan not only helps replenish lost nutrients but also supports overall health, digestion, and hydration throughout the fasting period.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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