Unhealthy diets, which may result in malnutrition, are linked to several Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including obesity associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and cancer.

In contemporary society, most households perceive frequent consumption of dairy products, especially beef and chicken, and other junk food as a change in diet, or rather, a balanced diet.

This mindset has left individuals clueless about the diet implications or related illnesses they suffer from, especially gout and high blood pressure.

Following the increase in NCDs in Uganda, the Ministry of Health has advised the public to embrace healthy eating to avoid hypertension and kidney diseases.

The Assistant Commissioner for NCDs at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Gerald Mutungi, explained that diets rich in foods and vegetables are key to preventing such diseases.

He further expressed his disappointment in the lifestyle of urban dwellers, who are highly susceptible to these NCDs.

“Unfortunately, our urban people think that fast foods and processed foods are a better choice, yet these are unhealthy foods. Most of these have a lot of salt, sugar, or carbohydrates, which is not good for our bodies,” Dr. Mutungi said.

Dr. Mutungi advised people to include a few vegetables or fruits once in a while in their diet to avoid the diseases in question.

“Buy and eat our usual foods, like fruits and vegetables, which are readily available in our markets,” he added.

Some other health experts and nutritionists suggested that, alternatively, other ways to prevent the NCDs are to have a daily exercise routine, reduce tobacco intake (smoking), and avoid harmful alcohol consumption.

Needless to say, anytime you crave some deep-fried chicken or fish or you are a faithful customer of roadside kikomando, with some chips and sausage, you might want to add some “nakati” or “avocado” to complete your meal. Better be safe than sorry.