Momoni has no nutritional value and is bad for kidneys – Dietician

Forzia Baidoo, a dietician at the Meridian Medical Center, has advised Ghanaians to avoid consuming fermented fish, commonly known as momoni, in order to reduce their risk of kidney disease.

Momoni is a traditional delicacy made by fermenting fish in tropical heat for six to ten hours, salting it for one to two days, and sun-drying it. Although fish is a popular flavoring ingredient, it does not provide any nutritional benefits.

Ms Baidoo stated that consuming salty fish foods such as momoni, kako, and koobi has been strongly linked to kidney disease. She encouraged Ghanaians to consume such foods in moderation, as they are high in salt and can be harmful to the kidneys.

The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste and excess water from the human body while maintaining electrolyte balance. Kidney disease is the 10th leading cause of death worldwide, with Ghana recording over 4,000 deaths from kidney disease in 2020 alone.

Ms Baidoo added that kidney disease does not present any symptoms at the beginning unless up to 90% of kidney function is lost. This makes it difficult to detect the disease early, which underscores the importance of adopting a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, animal and plant protein foods, and plenty of water to maintain good health.

The Meridian Medical Center dietician’s advice highlights the need for Ghanaians to be mindful of their dietary choices to prevent health problems.

According to Ms Baidoo, many of the foods Ghanaians consume for their unique flavors do not offer any nutritional value, and may even be harmful to their health. As such, it is essential for people to be conscious of the quantity and quality of foods they consume to ensure that they maintain good health.

In conclusion, Ghanaians have been urged to avoid consuming momoni and other salty fish foods to reduce their risk of developing kidney disease.

A balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, animal and plant protein foods, and plenty of water is essential for maintaining good health.

By making healthier food choices, Ghanaians can reduce their risk of developing health problems such as kidney disease and live longer healthier lives.

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