Berekum: Dr Kelvin Bepagr, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Kelpro Chiropractic and Natural Remedy Center, has issued a warning about the impact of ‘spicy and junk’ diets on children, highlighting their potential to reduce life expectancy. He emphasized the importance of families being vigilant in managing their children’s meals, noting that these foreign foods contribute to a decline in the average life expectancy in Africa, which currently stands at 63 years.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Bepagr made these remarks during the ‘Kelpro Children’s Herbal Fiesta’ organized by Kelpro Foundation in the Bono Region’s Berekum. The event aimed to encourage the consumption of locally prepared Ghanaian diets and to promote cultural traditions among children. Dr Bepagr warned that the consumption of ‘fast’ foods weakens body immunity and expressed concern over the erosion of Ghanaian culture, which he believes has led to an increased use of agro-chemicals in farming-a practice detrimental to human health.
Dr Bepagr advocated for the use of herbal medicines and local diets, emphasizing that agrochemicals not only harm human health but also deplete soil nutrients, leading to food contamination. He recommended organic fertilizers and manure as healthier alternatives for farming, urging people to be mindful of their eating habits.
Apostle Paul Osei Agyeman of Berekum Remenent Worship Centre also called on families to teach children to cook local dishes without relying on spices. He linked high mortality rates to foreign diets that are heavy in spices.