It still puzzles me that Africans are still being fooled by the West in this new era of education. How can some Africans still say things like: “African food is the cause of weight gain!!!” Excuse me???


When gestational diabetes forced me to start researching African foods in 2010, I found out that Africans have gold in their hands I cannot begin to tell you how fortunate the African continent is with regards to food. Mother Nature has blessed this land with everything the human body needs to get to 120 years and more.

But why has Africa been made to believe that her food is unhealthy and is associated to the numerous nutrition-related chronic diseases like cancer, stroke and hypertension Africans face today? To think that great-grand and grandparents lived healthy to old age eating these same foods! Before we answer that question, here are 5 facts about African food that you need to know:

African food is unprocessed

The food crops grown do not undergo any chemical transformation that rips it off its nutritive value. Cassava, sweet potatoes, yams, taro, and plantain are pure examples of ‘’what you see is what you get’’


Most tubers are rich in complex carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates are commonly found in whole plant foods and therefore are also often high in vitamins and minerals. Sorghum, food, and flour made from cassava, sweet potato, plantain and foods such as oatmeal, whole-grain bread, vegetables, corn, pumpkin, beans, lentils and peas are exceptionally great foods that contain these slow carbohydrates.

Most of African food crops are naturally grown

African food crops are grown naturally with little or no growth chemicals unlike the numerous genetically modified plants and animals (rice, corn, chicken, fish, and canola) which are imported and sold in many African countries today.


Animals are grass-fed

Animals are grass-fed, bred in the open and not densely packed in cages. There is little use of antibiotics for treatment compared to industrially breed poultry, fish and game.


The fats and oils used are heart-healthy

Red palm oil is amongst the healthiest oils in the world. Palm oil, especially virgin or ‘’red’’ palm oil has been revered as both a nutritious food and a valuable medicine. Today, medical doctors are recognizing the value of red palm oil in the treatment and prevention of malnutrition and vitamin deficiency diseases.

Palm oil not only supplies fatty acids essential for proper growth and development, but it is packed with an assortment of vitamins, antioxidants, and other phytonutrients important for good health.

Unlike what Africans have been made to believe over the years, African food is among the healthiest in the world. The Lancet Global Health published an article backing this. The reason why many think African food is the cause of weight gain and ill health lies primarily in the method of preparation, the portion size and the nutrition transition; whereas in the western world, the consumption of fresh food, fruits and vegetables as well as staples like tubers have been swapped for fast food, sugary drinks and sweets.

Remember that any food, even the healthiest should be cooked in a healthy way and consumed in the right portions to benefit from its nutrients, good health and well-being.


Red palm oil is amongst the healthiest oils in the world. Palm oil, especially virgin or ‘’red’’ palm oil has been revered as both a nutritious food and a valuable medicine. Today, medical doctors are recognizing the value of red palm oil in the treatment and prevention of malnutrition and vitamin deficiency diseases.

Palm oil not only supplies fatty acids essential for proper growth and development, but it is packed with an assortment of vitamins, antioxidants, and other phytonutrients important for good health.

Unlike what Africans have been made to believe over the years, African food is among the healthiest in the world. The Lancet Global Health published an article backing this. The reason why many think African food is the cause of weight gain and ill health lies primarily in the method of preparation, the portion size and the nutrition transition; whereas in the western world, the consumption of fresh food, fruits and vegetables as well as staples like tubers have been swapped for fast food, sugary drinks and sweets.

Remember that any food, even the healthiest should be cooked in a healthy way and consumed in the right portions to benefit from its nutrients, good health and well-being.


                                                                                                    Bernice Tiena






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