NUTRITION MYTHS AND FACTS: QUESTIONS MANY TANZANIANS ASK

Longevity Tips Mark Bura

Q: Is eating healthy only for the rich?
A: No. Some of the healthiest foods—beans, maize, green vegetables, fruits, and groundnuts—are local, affordable, and widely available.

Q: Do cooking oils give strength and energy?
A: A small amount is enough. Too much oil damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease.

Q: Do children need meat every day to grow well?
A: No. Healthy growth requires protein, energy, and micronutrients, which can also come from beans, lentils, eggs, vegetables, and fruits.

Q: Is being overweight a sign of good health?
A: No. Excess body weight often hides silent conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Q: Is sugar a problem only for people with diabetes?
A: No. Excess sugar increases the risk of obesity, fatty liver disease, heart disease, and future diabetes in everyone.

Q: Are fruits dangerous because they contain sugar?
A: No. Fruit sugar comes with fibre, vitamins, antioxidants, and disease-protective benefits.

Q: Can food really treat disease?
A: Yes. Proper nutrition can prevent, control, and in some cases reverse chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

Q: Can supplements replace vegetables?
A: No. Supplements cannot replace whole foods. Real food works best in the body.

Q: Do adults need milk to keep their bones strong?
A: No. Bone health also depends on vegetables, beans, physical activity, and sunlight—not milk alone.

Q: What is the simplest rule for healthy eating?
A: Eat mostly plant foods, keep meals close to their natural form, and limit excess sugar and oil.

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