A non-governmental health organization official has urged rural populations in Nakuru County to embrace traditional food diets, in order to boost the health and lives of both the unborn and living children.
Speaking during a sensitisation workshop for people with disabilities in Bahati on Tuesday, a representative of African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) Dr Mwenda Gitonga said that research has shown that traditional foods are health boosters, and advised local communities to embrace the same.
He observed that local communities can grow traditional vegetables and other foods like sorghum, millet, yam, sweet potatoes among others conveniently, and improve their health standards.
“Poor diets affect both the unborn and the living. Research shows that some ailments due to poor diets causes disabilities, and I encourage local communities to embrace traditional food diets,” said Mwenda, adding that women who consume traditional vegetables like experience less difficulties during child birth and also give birth to healthy children.
According to the health expert, traditional foods that grow in natural environments in rural areas in Kenya are rich in nutrients like iron, vitamins and calcium, which add value to both the unborn and living people especially among women and children.
He further said that traditional farming can help fight hunger and boost food security apart from boosting health standards among local communities.