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Health News of Friday, 23 September 2016

Source: GNA

Dietitian criticises the craze for smoothies

Smoothies made from a variety of fruits. Smoothies made from a variety of fruits.

The Deputy Chief Dietitian at the 37 Military Hospital, Madam Ivy Priscilla Frimpong has condemned the use of remedies, which have become rampant among Ghanaians.

She complained that, Ghanaians have resorted to combining raw vegetables by blending them into juices, smoothies or drinks for consumption with the intention of acquiring certain health benefits.

According to her, most of these remedies have no scientific backing.

She explained that, vegetables are very healthy and contain a lot of nutritional benefits and could be used to prepare stews, salads and soups for consumption.

Madam Frimpong , who was speaking with Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra said there are a lot of misinformation on the social media that raw cabbage and carrot blended together in a smoothie or juice could heal stomach ulcer.

According to her, most ulcer patients are advised to take cooked cabbage and not raw because it could sometimes cause irritation after consumption.

She said she would not advise anybody to take such a remedy.

“If anybody is taking such a remedy then it is because of the benefits it gives, for example vitamins, minerals, carbohydrate, protein and nutritional fat.

“Cabbage and carrot have fibre, which is good for the body and antioxidants, which helps prevent the body against cancer,” she said.

Madam Frimpong advised that, vegetables should be cut and washed properly with salt or vinegar before consumption.

She encouraged Ghanaians to eat more fruits and vegetables since they are very healthy and full of nutritional benefits.