Ndolé and Plantain - A delicious diabetes-fighting food from Cameroon

Hi there, I am Zee and I come from Cameroon, Africa in miniature and a country with some of the healthiest foods on the planet. Healthy food and nutrition plays a major role in preventing (lifestyle) diseases and promoting overall health and well-being.

One of the major challenges my community is currently facing is the transition in nutritional patterns and dietary behaviors. Traditional foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, staples like rice, plantain, yam, cassava which were harvested from the farms directly to the table, are now being swapped for fast and convenience foods, sugary drinks, pastries and sweets.

This has led to a major increase in obesity and obesity-related diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers not only in Cameroon but in sub-Saharan Africa as a whole.To reverse this trend, it is essential to eat a healthy well-balanced meal for good health.

So here is one of many meals that packs a serious nutritional punch and offers a variety of health benefits: Ndolé, made from 'bitterleaf' botanically known as Vernonia Amygdalina, peanuts, lots of herbs and spices and 'crayfish' aka dried prawns. Bitterleaf is medically known as a wonder food and is used to treat a myriad of ailments like reducing blood sugar levels in diabetes patients, may cure kidney-related complications and can combat fatigue. The roasted peanuts used in this dish are rich in monounsaturated fats. They kind that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 21% when consumed in their quantities.Peanuts are also a great source of vitamin E and Folate, making it great for pregnant women. Ndolé is traditionally eaten with plantain - a brain-boosting, immune-building fruit.

My vision is to create and build an weight loss APP to inform, educate and motivate members of my community to live a healthier lifestyle, promote health and prevent obesity and obesity-related diseases.