LIFESTYLE NEWS -  There is a link between nutritious food and wellbeing. Not only does nutritious food give us sustained energy and focus and benefits mental health but it also reduces disease such as heart disease and diabetes.

Dietician at the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, Nadene Polayya, says eating healthy from a young age helps children and adults reach their full potential. 

"It provides the right type of fuel for the body and brain to grow and develop optimally. Nutritious foods also support sustained energy and focus, which improves learning and work performance. This can lead to fewer medical visits and less stress on individuals, families, communities and the healthcare system.

"Good nutrition and affordable food benefits mental health. This, in turn, helps people achieve more and strengthens earning potential and the economy,” says Polayya.

Nadia Ferreira, Eden and Central Karoo spokesperson for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, says the department commemorates National Nutrition Week from 9 to 15 October. 

"The message during this week is that healthy eating is a key component of a healthy lifestyle and community. This year’s theme Eat right for a better life'' aims to encourage residents to make affordable and healthy food choices every day."

The 2023 National Food and Nutrition Security Survey (NFNSS) data show that 57.4% of adults is classified as either overweight (25.3%) or obese (32.1%). 

Additives linked to harmful health effects

Polayya says many unhealthy food products – such as packaged baked goods, chips, fizzy drinks, breakfast cereals and many ready-to-go meals – are filled with added sugars, fats, salts, colourants, emulsifiers, flavour enhancers and other harmful additives that have been directly linked to more than 30 harmful health effects globally, including obesity, numerous non-communicable diseases (such as heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and adverse mental health), as well as premature death.

“Prioritise eating nutrient-dense foods such as colourful vegetables, fibre-rich starchy foods like brown bread, legumes and sweet potatoes, and proteins like chicken, fish, amasi or eggs for a longer, healthier life.

"Drinking water is an important part of healthy eating and should therefore be the beverage of choice. Avoid sugary drinks."

One of her patients, Nonkoliso Grootboom says she tries to make the best food choices with what she can afford. 

"It is sometimes difficult if you must make a meal for a large family. I know that portion size also matters so try to have smaller portions of less healthy foods."

Right and healthy eating options

• Most of what we eat should consist of mainly unprocessed or minimally foods from plants, for instance vegetables, fruit, starchy foods (preferably minimally processed) and legumes.
•  Sugar, salt and fat should be used sparingly in food preparation and at the table.
•  Drinking water is an important part of healthy eating and should therefore be the beverage of choice. Avoid sugary drinks.
•  Eating plenty of vegetables and fruit regularly can help prevent chronic diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, some types of cancer, aging related eye diseases and type-2 diabetes. These foods are also high in fibre (roughage), which ensures proper bowel functioning and helps to prevent constipation and related symptoms like bloating.

Photo: Pexels

The First 1000 Days

Ferreira says babies should be given only breastmilk for the first six months of life. 

"Breastmilk contains all the energy, vitamins and other nutrients and water in the correct amounts that the baby needs. They should not be given any other food or fluids, not even water, except for medicine prescribed by a doctor or nurse."

From the age of six months, appropriate and culturally acceptable complementary foods should be introduced and breastfeeding continued until the child is at least two years old.

The department’s existing initiative, The First 1000 Days, includes programmes of early childhood development interventions for good nutrition, which show good indications of making a positive difference. 

"The department continues to work within communities and with its partner organisations to actively engage parents, guardians and carers in communities and empower them on good health and nutrition for children growing up.

"Let’s ensure all children have access to nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich options like beans, eggs, and peanut butter," saysFerreira.

Visit your nearest clinic if you need advice or help with a healthier lifestyle.

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