Momone has no nutritional value – Dietician

As a dietician at Meridian Medical Centre, Forzia Baidoo has advised Ghanaians to limit their consumption of putrefied fish, commonly known in the Akan language as momone, kako, or koobi. These traditional salted fish, made from shark or tilapia, are left to ferment in tropical heat for 6-10 hours before being salted for 1-2 days and sun-dried.

Baidoo warns that there is a strong link between the intake of salty foods and kidney diseases. Putrefied fish are high in salt and should be consumed in minimal amounts. While they add flavor to food, they do not provide any nutritional value and can cause significant harm to the kidneys.

The kidneys play an essential role in the human body, filtering waste and excess water while maintaining electrolyte balance. Despite this, kidney disease is the 10th leading cause of death worldwide. In 2020, Ghana recorded over 4,000 deaths from kidney disease, according to the World Health Organization.

Baidoo emphasizes that kidney disease often presents no symptoms until the individual has lost up to 90% of their kidney function. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a habit of consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and both animal and plant-based protein foods, and drinking plenty of water to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

–The Post Ghana