Limiting Fried Foods Lower Stroke Risk — Physician
A senior physician has urged Ghanaians to rethink their diets to reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.
Ghanaians have been urged to reduce their intake of fried foods and other meals high in unhealthy fats as part of efforts to lower their risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Senior Physician, Dr Thomas Agbemaple, said healthier eating habits, combined with effective control of conditions such as high blood pressure, could significantly reduce the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries, a major contributor to cardiovascular complications.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, August 26, Dr Agbemaple said prevention should be given greater attention as stroke cases continue to pose a serious health concern, particularly among men. He cautioned against the frequent consumption of fried foods and meals associated with high levels of unhealthy fats, including fried rice, potato chips and other heavily fried dishes.
“Changing our diet, by de-emphasising fried foods, you know, jollof here, fried rice, potato chips, and the typical Western diet, we will be making a lot of headway in reducing the incidence of cholesterol deposition in the walls of our arteries,” he said. According to him, reducing cholesterol accumulation in the arterial walls can make it less likely for individuals to develop conditions that could eventually trigger a stroke.
Dr Agbemaple also stressed the importance of addressing high blood pressure, which can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events. He therefore encouraged the public to view healthy living as a long-term commitment rather than waiting until illness occurs before making lifestyle changes.
His comments come ahead of a month-long healthy living campaign by Channel One TV and Citi FM scheduled for September, which will focus on raising public awareness about healthier lifestyles and practical ways of maintaining them. The campaign is expected to provide guidance on healthier eating and other habits that can help individuals make sustainable changes to protect their health.
Dr Agbemaple’s advice joins calls for preventive healthcare, with healthier diets, regular physical activity, appropriate weight management and monitoring of blood pressure among measures that can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. He urged Ghanaians to make gradual but deliberate changes to their daily routines, particularly their food choices, to reduce their exposure to preventable risk factors associated with stroke.
By: Joyce Owusu
