Ghanaians have been advised to exercise moderation when consuming popular salted fish varieties, such as koobi and momoni, to protect their cardiovascular health.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, September 11, Dr. Albert Agbi, a Physician Specialist and Cardiology Fellow at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, highlighted that these traditional ingredients contain extremely high levels of sodium due to their preservation process.
While acknowledging that koobi and momoni enhance the taste of local dishes, Dr. Agbi explained that consuming them in excess elevates sodium levels in the body. Excess sodium leads to fluid retention, which increases blood pressure and places unnecessary strain on the heart and blood vessels ultimately raising the risk of long-term cardiovascular issues.
Dr. Agbi noted that he is not advocating for a complete ban on these local favorites, but rather urging consumers to practice portion control.
To help maintain healthy blood pressure levels, he recommended incorporating more potassium-rich foods into daily meals, such as fresh coconut water, bananas, and a variety of fruits. He highlighted structured dietary plans like the Mediterranean and DASH diets, which prioritize potassium and balanced nutrition to support heart health.
@Volta Today
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