Identification of Traditional Foods with Public Health Potential for Complementary Feeding in Western Kenya | Zendy

John Kinyuru | Zendy; Silvenus Konyole | Zendy; Glaston M. Kenji | Zendy; Christine A. Onyango | Zendy; Victor Owino | Zendy; Bethwell O. Owuor | Zendy; Benson Estambale | Zendy; Henrik Friis | Zendy; Nanna Roos | Zendy

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Identification of Traditional Foods with Public Health Potential for Complementary Feeding in Western Kenya

Author(s) -

John Kinyuru,

Silvenus Konyole,

Glaston M. Kenji,

Christine A. Onyango,

Victor Owino,

Bethwell O. Owuor,

Benson Estambale,

Henrik Friis,

Nanna Roos

Publication year - 2012

Publication title -

journal of food research

Language(s) - English

Resource type - Journals

eISSN - 1927-0895

pISSN - 1927-0887

DOI - 10.5539/jfr.v1n2p148

Subject(s) - leafy vegetables , amaranthus cruentus , biology , health benefits , amaranthus hybridus , jaggery , microbiology and biotechnology , geography , food science , environmental health , traditional medicine , amaranth , botany , medicine , weed , sugar

The diversity of traditional foods in Kisumu West District of Western Kenya was assessed with an aim to identify the foods with a potential for complementary feeding. Leaves were the most consumed plant part amongst vegetables, while a few fruits were consumed together with their seeds. Amaranthus cruentus L. was found to be consumed as a leafy vegetable while another variety, Amaranthus hybridus L. was found to be consumed as a grain. Four species of winged termites, a grasshopper, black ant and dagaa fish were also identified. Twelve of the traditional foods were found to be associated with nutritional and health benefits as perceived by the locals. Traditional food processing methods such as boiling, fermentation and sun drying were identified. Thus exploitation of the species possessing nutrient, health and processing benefits needs to be explored in complementary feeding.