By Professor Raphael Nyarkotey Obu
Akokono Khebab
At the core of Ghana’s traditional food culture beats a lesser-known yet highly nutritious treat – Akokono , the larvae of the African palm weevil ( Rhynchophorus phoenicis For many years, it has been part of the cuisine for rural populations and specific ethnicities, but broader adoption has faced obstacles because of the taboos linked to eating insects. However, as contemporary science verifies the significant health advantages of this native food source, now is the moment to reconsider its place in our diet. Akokono ' involvement in Ghana's policies related to nutrition and health.
Rediscovering indigenous nutrition
Ghana is presently facing two nutritional issues simultaneously: undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies on one side, and an increase in lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes on the other. Given these circumstances, there is a growing interest in reviving the use of nutrient-dense traditional foods like Akokono is both relevant and crucial.
Akokono It goes beyond being just a conventional snack; it serves as a protein-packed, nutrient-dense, and eco-friendly dietary option. Research findings from experts at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), McGill University in Canada, along with those from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), underscore this point. Akokono As a nutrient-rich food capable of substantially enhancing overall public health if incorporated into common eating habits.
Nutritional Profile: Why Is Akokono Considered a Superfood?
One of the most striking features of Akokono It boasts a rich nutrient profile. The product includes all necessary amino acids needed by the human body. Consequently, it provides a full spectrum of proteins similar to those found in meats, birds, and seafood. For populations with restricted availability of animal-based proteins, Akokono offers a budget-friendly and easily available option.
In addition to protein, Akokono is rich in beneficial fats, specifically monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are advantageous for heart health. Additionally, it serves as a good source of:
- Iron Essential for preventing anaemia, particularly among women of childbearing age and children.
- Zinc : Crucial for immune system support and cell maintenance.
- Magnesium and copper : Crucial for enzyme activities and energy metabolism.
- Vitamin B12, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid Essential for the creation of red blood cells, proper functioning of the nervous system, and the synthesis of DNA.
A study from 2020 that was published in BMC Nutrition Parker et al. assessed the integration of Akokono into peanut butter for children and observed notable improvements in the food’s protein and micronutrient content. The children who ate this enriched spread exhibited better growth indicators and overall nutrition levels than those who didn’t consume it.
Akokono and the battle against anemia
Anemia continues to be a significant public health issue in Ghana. The Ghana Demographic and Health Survey from 2019 indicates that more than 66 percent of young children under five years old and 42 percent of women of childbearing age suffer from anemia. Efforts like iron supplement programs have shown inconsistent outcomes primarily because of adherence problems and unhealthy eating patterns.
Here, Akokono provides a culturally appropriate and easily absorbed form of dietary iron. In contrast to iron tablets, which may lead to digestive issues, iron sourced from natural foods such as Akokono is gentler on the body and usually gets absorbed more easily. Promoting Akokono Incorporating iron-rich foods into antenatal and child nutrition programs might revolutionize efforts to decrease anaemia-linked issues like maternal deaths, low birth weights, and impaired growth.
An eco-friendly answer to tackling protein shortage
Apart from health benefits, Akokono offers substantial ecological benefits. These larvae can be cultivated utilizing waste products from agriculture such as palm leaves and residues, which fits well within sustainable economic systems. Compared to traditional farming of animals, they use less water and food, produce lower levels of greenhouse gases, and grow rapidly. This makes Akokono Farming that is both highly sustainable and scalable.
As climate change poses challenges to conventional farming practices, insect cultivation is emerging worldwide as a promising approach for building sustainable food networks. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) supports the consumption of insects as an effective answer to world hunger issues. In light of its deep-rooted custom of eating insects, Ghana stands poised to set an example for the rest of Africa in this field.
From field to plate: the versatile cooking uses of Akokono
Innovation in cooking has demonstrated that Akokono can surpass traditional roasted snacks or roadside treats. Recently, Ghanaian chefs, nutrition experts, and food business owners have created various value-added items through the use of Akokono , including:
- Akokono-fortified biscuits and cereals for school feeding programmes.
- Protein-rich pastes blended with peanut or shea butter.
- Powdered Akokono flour Used in cereals or baby food.
- Gourmet dishes, including soups, grilled dishes, and rice plates.
This adaptability enhances its attractiveness and simplifies incorporation into everyday eating habits. When properly processed and packaged, Akokono -products might also be exported as part of Ghana’s agricultural food sector.
Overcoming barriers to acceptance
Even with its advantages, city dwellers and the upper class frequently perceive Akokono Consumption is often viewed as either primal or impure. This stigma stems from dietary changes during the colonial era and contemporary misconceptions. Overcoming this obstacle necessitates focused health education initiatives, cooking exhibitions, and support from healthcare experts and public figures.
Schools, places of worship, healthcare centers, and media outlets should be utilized to normalize insect-based food consumption. Furthermore, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) along with the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service need to integrate Akokono Into nutritional policies and school meal programs. Integrating findings from food science with conventional wisdom can enhance standardized practices for safety, cleanliness, and conservation techniques, thereby boosting trust in their usage.
Policy recommendations
To completely capitalize on the potential Akokono I suggest the following: , I propose the subsequent: , I advise the below: , The recommended items are as follows: , Here are my recommendations: , Allow me to suggest these options: , Consider the following suggestions from me: , My recommendation includes the following points: , Please find my suggested list hereunder: , It would be beneficial to consider the ensuing choices:
- Integration into national nutrition plans — The Ghana School Feeding Program and maternal nutrition policies ought to take into account Akokono products.
- Support for Akokono farming - Offer training programs, initial equipment kits, and financial support to young farmers and women's organizations.
- Research and development – Increased scholarly investigation into the health advantages of Akokono can back clinical nutrition alongside public health initiatives.
- Standardisation and certification – Develop safety standards through the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for Akokono-based food products.
- Export potential – Position Akokono As part of Ghana’s push towards a greener economy, we can also look into exploring international markets where edible insects are becoming increasingly popular.
Conclusion
In a nation endowed with a rich variety of culinary customs, Akokono stands out as a traditional delicacy and a contemporary health option. It merges nutrition, sustainability, and economic promise into a single compact offering. Ghana should capitalize on this chance to reshape Akokono Not as "food for the poor," but rather as "food for the future." It is time to shift this perspective. Akokono on the national plate—not as a relic of the past, but as a superfood for the present and future health of our nation.
>>>the writer is a Professor of Natural Medicine, a lawyer admitted to the Gambia Bar, and a Chartered Health Economist.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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