Meru: Nutritionist urges families to include fruit in their meals to improve overall health and protect against diseases. Igembe South, located in Meru County, is known for its fertile soils and reliable rainfall, making it an ideal region for fruit cultivation. Farmers in the area grow a wide variety of fruits both for personal consumption and for sale in local markets, reinforcing fruit farming as a crucial economic activity in the region. Common fruits grown include mangoes, avocados, watermelons, bananas, pawpaws, oranges, passion fruits, and pineapples, with mangoes being particularly abundant between February and March.
According to Kenya News Agency, Francis Nyakundi, a nutrition officer at Nyambene Level Four Hospital, emphasizes the importance of integrating fruits into daily meals due to their rich content of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients play a significant role in boosting immunity and improving digestion, ultimately contributing to better overall health. Nyakundi explained that different fruits offer unique benefits, especially for individuals managing chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart diseases.
Nyakundi highlighted the importance of pregnant women consuming fruits such as avocados and bananas, which provide necessary energy and nutrients during pregnancy. Bananas are rich in potassium, beneficial for muscle strengthening and heart function, while avocados offer healthy fats that support body growth and brain development.
Furthermore, Nyakundi recommended fruits like pawpaws, passion fruits, and watermelons for individuals living with diabetes, as they are high in vitamins and fiber, aiding in disease prevention. Pawpaws, in particular, improve digestion through natural enzymes, while also being a good source of vitamin C, which enhances the immune system and speeds up wound healing.
Passion fruits are valued for their antioxidant properties, which protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidant-rich fruits are instrumental in reducing the risk of chronic illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Passion fruits also promote better blood circulation, digestion, and reduce inflammation.
Watermelons, with their high water content, help maintain hydration and are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant supporting heart health and potentially lowering cancer risks. Mangoes, prevalent in Igembe, offer vitamins A and C, which are crucial for immunity, skin health, and energy provision.
Nyakundi also advised caution regarding fruits with natural acids, which may aggravate conditions like ulcers and stomach irritation. Fruits such as lemons, oranges, and pineapples, due to their acidic nature, could increase stomach discomfort and heartburn. He recommended moderate consumption and sufficient water intake to mitigate these effects.
Fruit vendors in Maua market, like Glory Karimi, noted that fruit availability varies with seasons and weather conditions. While avocados, bananas, oranges, pawpaws, and watermelons are currently abundant and affordable, fruits such as pineapples, apples, and coconuts, sourced from other regions, are scarce and expensive due to low supply.
Health experts continue to encourage residents to adopt regular fruit consumption to enhance overall health and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
