Nutrition Week is observed every year in the run-up to World Food Day on 16 October and aims to raise awareness about the impact that food and lifestyle choices have on the health of an individual.

City Health is already working to improve the nutritional status and development of young children through it's First 1 000 Days Campaign.

Between April 2015 and the end of May 2016, 446 children attending the City's health facilities were identified as having severe acute malnutrition, using their height, weight and mid-upper arm circumference measurements as indicators.

'The problem isn't limited to children, though. Lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity are becoming more prevalent in our society. We know that lack of physical activity is a big contributing factor, but a lack of proper nutrition is also to blame. In part it's because people don't know any better. However, we cannot ignore the fact that the rising cost of food prices has also left healthy eating out of the reach of many South Africans,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Health, Councillor Siyabulela Mamkeli. 

It is for this reason that pulses, which are part of the legume family, have taken centre stage on the international nutrition agenda this year. Dried beans, lentils and peas are among the most commonly known and consumed types of pulse. They have a high nutritional value, can be stored for long periods without losing that nutritional value, help prevent and manage non-communicable diseases and obesity, and help to foster sustainable agriculture.

'It is therefore such a pity that they are not consumed more readily by members of the public. People need to move past the idea that beans are "poor man's food". Not only do they contain valuable nutrients, but they are also a lot more cost effective than meat and other vegetables. They are also a good substitute for starchy, heavy foods that are far too common in the South African diet,' added Councillor Mamkeli.

The South African Guidelines for Healthy Eating indicate that dry beans, peas, lentils and soya should form part of a healthy eating plan with a variety of foods and should be eaten as regularly as four times a week.

Epidemiological studies over the last 20 years have confirmed that eating legumes regularly can prevent chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and being overweight, as well as improving gut health. Yet legumes are among the foods that are least consumed in South Africa, with only an estimated 15 percent of people eating them on a daily basis.

'The health burden as a result of poor lifestyles and nutritional choices is growing by the day. I urge communities to start paying closer attention to what they put in to their bodies as that ultimately affects their health and well-being. Far too many people are living with chronic conditions because of what they eat, or in this instance what they don't eat. The message for nutrition week is really simple and I truly hope that members of the public will take it to heart,' said Councillor Mamkeli.

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