Department of Food Science and Nutrition

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Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Cancer in Humans-Is there a Role or not? A Review of the Scientific Evidence
(Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences Research, 2019) Lokuruka, Michael N.I.
Conjugated linoleic acids are naturally occurring fatty acids that are found predominantly in ruminant meat, milk and dairy products. They are composed mainly of two isomers: cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 fatty acid. Their synthesis occurs mainly by the action of ruminal bacteria, Butyrivibrio Fibrisolvens, and a host of lactic acid bacteria, which isomerize linoleic acid to CLA or by synthesis via α9-desaturase of 11-trans octadecanoic acid, and, through desaturation of free linoleic acid or other unsaturated fatty acids. Although cis-9, trans-11 and trans-9, trans-11 CLA isomers have consistently shown anti-carcinogenicity on animal models and on cancerous human cells, results from clinical trials are inconclusive and conflicting. Despite most of the data on humans being mainly from epidemiological studies, a few clinical studies with breast and colorectal cancer sufferers have shown some promise. Controlled, long-term, racial and gender diverse, geographically spread clinical studies are required to understand the link between CLA intake and incidence of human cancers.
Consumer preference of the mix of purple and ordinary green tea in Kenya
(2015) Kaburi, F.K.; Ng’ang’a, S.I.; Muraguri, E.K.
Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water. Processed tea is manufactured from young tender leaves of tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Black tea has mainly been processed from green coloured leaf tea cultivars. The Tea Research Foundation of Kenya (TRFK) released a purple (anthocyanin pigmented) tea variety, TRFK 306/1, in 2011. During the processing, the purple tea leaf is mixed with the ordinary green tea leaf resulting in a new product. The study aimed at assessing the consumers’ preference of the new tea product manufactured from a mixture of both green and purple tea leaves as compared to tea manufactured from purple leaf and green leaf separately. The study employed both descriptive survey and experimental research designs. Tea tasters were used to rank i) tea from green leaf, ii) tea from purple tea and iii) tea from the mix of purple and green leafs. Tea consumers were also asked to rank the three varieties of tea. The target population comprised of 30 respondents drawn from Kangaita Tea Factory region within Kirinyaga County. Tea tasters were drawn from factories in Kirinyaga County. Simple random sampling was employed for both tea tasters and consumers. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using the Spearman Rank coefficient of correlation. The study found out that consumers would prefer the tea mix of purple and green. The study recommends extensive marketing and value addition strategies such as packaging, branding and blending in order to create awareness to potential consumers and maximizem returns to the smallholder tea farmers. In addition, the study recommends that further research be done in order to outline health benefits of this tea product.
Coping strategies to food insecurity employed by students of karatina university, kenya
(2022-05-20) Sewe, Daniel, S.; Lokuruka, Michael N.I.
It has been reported that 1 in 3 Kenyans suffers from severe food insecurity and poor nutrition. This study aimed to establish the level of food insecurity among Karatina University students and coping strategies employed. A nutrition survey research design and random sampling was done with a sample size of 94 undergraduate students, who resided within the university. The students filled questionnaires for the details required. The proximate composition of frequently consumed foods was estimated by AOAC methods. Dietary and non-dietary coping strategies to food insecurity and diets consumed by students were established. The percentage of students who were food insecure was 27.85% as evidenced by skipping a meal due to lack of money variously for 1-3 days in a month. Also, 22.3% borrowed foods from friends and neighbors, 48.9% stuck to simple and affordable meals, which were either, rice+beans/green grams or ugali+cabbage/ leafy green vegetables) or ugali+beans/green grams. The non-dietary strategy showed 18.1% students reducing expenditure on airtime, while 2.1% sold assets-mobile phones and laptops. The most commonly consumed meals by both genders were chapatti + beans/green grams at 24.5% or rice + beans/ green grams or cabbage/kales/spinach either at 12.8%. The dimension of food security that was not met by students was food affordability.
Development, Sensory Evaluation and Nutritional Qualities of a Millet based Food Replacer for Geophagy among Adolescent Girls
(2016-01) Waswa, Judith; Imungi, Jasper K.
Abstract Development, Sensory Evaluation and Nutritional Qualities of a Millet based Food Replacer for Geophagy among Adolescent Girls Millet grains (Eleusine coracana L), Amaranth grain (Amaranthus cruentus L) and Winged Termites (Macrotermes subhylanus R) are traditional foods among communities in Western province of Kenya. Although traditional foods have huge benefits to human health, they are generally uncultivated and under–utilized. The non-availability of ready to use processed millet based foods has limited the usage and acceptability, despite their nutritional superiority. The purpose of this study was to develop an iron- rich product from millet, amaranth and termites as replacer of soil for geophagists. The study further sort to establish the acceptability and nutrient content of the product. Linear programming was used to come up with four formulations of Finger millet, Amaranth and Termites in the proportions of 100:00:00; 70:15:15; 70:10:20 and 70:20:10 respectively. The flour made from the three ingredients was hydrated at a ratio of 500g of flour to 300ml of water; these were then mixed to a thick consistency. Approximate 8 mm thick layer of the dough was spread on baking trays then baked in an oven at 120°C for one and a half hours. The product was then dried in an oven at 40°C for one hour. The product was left to cool and stored in polythene bags and sealed. The sprinkles were subjected to a taste panel test to determine the most acceptable formulation. The most preferred formulation had a ratio of 70:20:10 (millet: amaranth: termites), it had high content of iron; one hundred grams of the product would provide more than the recommended dietary allowance for adolescent girls. The study recommends development of a program for commercial production of the soil replacer at community level or industrial level in order to offer a food alternative, which will not only help stop the practice but also supply essential nutrients to the users.
Edible Plant Sprouts: Health Benefits, Trends, and Opportunities for Novel Exploration
(Nutrients, 2021-08) Kilonzi, Sheila M.; Ofosu, Fred Kwame; Aloo, Simon Okomo; Shabbir, Umair; Oh, Deog Hwan
The consumption of plant sprouts as part of human day-to-day diets is gradually increasing, and their health benefit is attracting interest across multiple disciplines. The purpose of this review was to (a) critically evaluate the phytochemicals in selected sprouts (alfalfa, buckwheat, broccoli, and red cabbage), (b) describe the health benefits of sprouts, (c) assess the recent advances in sprout production, (d) rigorously evaluate their safety, and (e) suggest directions that merit special consideration for further novel research on sprouts. Young shoots are characterized by high levels of health-benefitting phytochemicals. Their utility as functional ingredients have been extensively described. Tremendous advances in the production and safety of sprouts have been made over the recent past and numerous reports have appeared in mainstream scientific journals describing their nutritional and medicinal properties. However, subjects such as application of sprouted seed flours in processed products, utilizing sprouts as leads in the synthesis of nanoparticles, and assessing the dynamics of a relationship between sprouts and gut health require special attention for future clinical exploration. Sprouting is an effective strategy allowing manipulation of phytochemicals in seeds to improve their health benefits.
Effect of Citric Acid on the Total Monomeric Anthocyanins and Antioxidant Activity of Liquor Made from Unprocessed Purple Leafed TRFK 306 Kenyan Tea Clone
(Food and Nutrition Sciences, 2019) Kilel, Emily C.; Wanyoko, John K.; Faraj, Abdul K.; Ngoda, Peninah
A study was conducted to find out the effect of citric acid on total monomeric anthocyanins and antioxidant activity of liquor made from unprocessed purple-leafed TRFK 306 Kenyan tea, brewed at various time/temperature combinations. Most purple tea consumers usually brew the tea leaves then add some lemon juice before consuming it. Citric acid was used here to mimic the use of lemon juice. Documentation on the quality of such a brew is scanty and the effect of acid on its quality is equally scanty. The current study used brewing time/temperature combinations of 5, 10 and 15 minutes with 70˚C and 92˚C drinking water. Total monomeric anthocyanins were analysed using UV-1800 spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, Japan) while DDPH method was used to assay for antioxidant activity. Citric acid concentration of 0, 0.1% to 0.5% was used to check their effect on the brews with the highest total anthocyanins and antioxidant activity. The results showed that brewing temperature of 70˚C had 9.5 mg/L to 27.7 mg/L, with 5 minutes brewing time being the highest. Temperature of 92˚C had 37.5 mg/L to 92 mg/L with 5 minutes brewing time having the highest total monomeric anthocyanins. Antioxidant activity of 92˚C brewing temperature ranged from 90.7% to 92.0%. Total monomeric anthocyanins increased with increased citric acid concentration up to 0.3% before it decreases while for antioxidant activity, it decreased with addition of citric acid. It was concluded that for maximum anthocyanins extraction, 5 minutes brewing time is the best while ten minutes brewing time could give optimum antioxidant activity.
Effect of Some Processing Methods on Nutrient Content and Anti-Nutritional Factors of a Variety of Dolichos Lablab (Lablab Purpureus L.) Beans Grown in Kenya
(Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences Research, 2019) Kilonzi, Sheila M.; Makokha, Anselimo O.; Kenji, Glaston M.
This study aimed to determine the effect of different processing methods on the proximate composition and anti-nutritional factors of Dolichos lablab beans (Lablab purpureus) of Kenya. The seeds of KAT/DL-2 variety,sourced from Kenya Agricultural Livestock and Research Organisation, Katumani Dryland Research Station were sorted, then subjected to different processing methods (soaking, cooking and germination). The samples were analysed for proximate composition, tannins, phytates and trypsin inhibitory activity. The results showed a significant increase (2.0%) in crude protein content for germinated lablab beans while carbohydrates content was high in cooked samples. The variety KAT/DL-2 had high levels of phytates; 723.6 mg/100g and tannins 330.3mg/100g and trypsin inhibitor activity 1.3mg/100g. Cooking achieved the highest reduction of anti-nutrients with 88% reduction in TIU. The results revealed that the anti-nutrients in lablab beans can be reduced using different methods of processing. However, there is need to investigate the effect of combined methods on the nutrients and anti-nutrients.
Effectiveness Of Albendazole On Soil Transmitted Nematodes Among School ChildrenA Case Of Kakamega County, Kenya
(African Journal of Health Sciences, 2019) Ngonjo, T.W.; Okoyo, Collins; Simiyu, Elses; Kihara, Jimmy; Lelo, Agola Eric; Kabiru, Ephantus; Mwandawiro, Charles
Recent assessment by WHO on Soil Transmitted Nematodes (STN) point that their morbidity is still high in people mainly in children. A. lumbricoidesglobally infects 1.2 billion people and T. trichiura795 million worldwide. Infections withAncylostoma duodenaleand Necator americanus 740 million leading to 135,000 deaths per year. It became necessary to find out the effectiveness of Albendazoleonsoil transmittedNematodesamong school children- a case of kakamega county, kenya.METHODOLOGYStudy respondents were selected fom public primary school children in Kakamega County. A total of 731 and 665 (pre & post) children in 7 primary schools in three sub counties of Kakamega County were recruited in the study. Pre-treatment survey was done in March, 2014 and follow up in September 2014. Fecal samples were examined for the presence of STN . 14 days after treatment using Kato- Katz method.The total number of eggs were expressed as eggs/gm of feaces (epg). Pretreatment prevalence was 43.5% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 1.8% for hookworm and 0.9% for Trichuris trichiura. R ESU LTSMean intensity of hookworm, A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infections in the pre-and post-surveys were reduced by 1.2%, 98.4% and 100% respectively. Prevalence decreased to 2.3% for Ascaris lumbricoides and 0 % for T. trichiura. Post treatment prevalence of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infections were significantly reduced by 94.8% and 100% respectively. A slight increase in hookworm prevalence was observed. However, this increase was not significant (p=0.993). CONCLUSIONThe therapeutic efficacy of Albendazole indicated a good reduction in parasite burden. Albendazole satisfactorily reduced STN infection while for hookworm there was a non-significant increase in prevalence. Key words: Cure rate, egg reduction rate, albendazole, Kenya
The Effects of Food Support Interventions on Vulnerable Adolescents Girls Affected by HIV and AIDS in Ol-Joroorok Sub County, Kenya
(Scholars Middle East Publishers, 2018-07) Gichuhi, David; Wachira, Wanjugu; Wachera, Lydia M.
Abstract: The global HIV and AIDS pandemic have continued to change the lives of many people especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Both boys and girls have been affected by this menace. However, girls face considerable vulnerabilities and risks than boys that affect their health, food security, education status and general well-being. It is therefore critical to intervene before these challenges that girls face result to outcomes that are irreversible. Many development partners, Non- governmental organizations, Faith based organizations, Community based organizations and the government are taking considerable effort in providing services to the vulnerable adolescent girls in different sectors which includes; educational assistance, health, food aid, material support and other HIV and AIDS mitigation programs. Despite these different interventions in responding to the needs of these children, there is however little evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions in improving the well- being of adolescent girls affected by HIV and AIDS. This study sought to determine the influence of food interventions in reducing the effects of HIV and AIDS among adolescent girls affected by HIV and AIDS in Ol-Joroorok Sub- County of Nyandarua County. The research adopted a descriptive research design to collect primary data to answer questions concerning the status of the issues under investigations. Cluster and purposive sampling was used. A sample population of 123 respondents was selected. Descriptive data was analyzed using percentages, tables and bar graphs. Statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson product-moment correlations and Pearson Chi-Square tests. Results of the study revealed that food interventions had significant relationship in reducing the effects of HIV and AIDS in adolescent girls. Keywords: HIV and AIDS, intervention, Vulnerable Adolescent girls.
Evaluation of Kenyan Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) Purees for Functional Food Production
(Journal of Life Sciences, 2014-02) Muchiri, M.N.; McCartney, A.L.
Consumption of functional foods with health promoting benefits and/or disease prevention has been on the increase globally. The study aimed at evaluating the potential of utilizing Kenyan orange fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) for functional food production with aesthetics benefits. Purees from three different varieties of orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) were analyzed for nutritional, physicochemical and microbial quality. The findings of the study show that the three purees were all microbiologically safe and of near neutral pH, but differed significantly (P < 0.05) in nutrient content (dry matter content, 12.76-28.23%; crude fiber, 1.37-2.90% fresh weight basis (FWB); β-carotene, 0.94-9.27 mg/100g dry weight basis (DWB); starch, 10.20-18.30% FWB & total sugar 27.08-31.76% DWB). The purees had attractive appearance (ranging from yellow to dark orange), with varying significantly different spectrophotometer hunters color scale (P < 0.05), and flow ability. Conclusions from the findings show great potential of utilizing the varying properties of OFSP puree to produce enriched functional food products such as probiotic/prebiotic dairy, beverages, bakery and baby foods.
Examining the balanced scorecard approach to measuring performance of Five Star Hotels in Nairobi, Kenya.
(2014-12) Gesage, , M. B.; Kuira, J.
Traditional models for determining the performance and effectiveness of employees rely heavily on financial accounting indicators. This study sought to measure the performance of five star hotels in Nairobi County using the balanced scorecard approach. The findings of the study revealed that 36% of the respondents used a balanced scorecard as a method of measuring performance. The use of a balanced scorecard for measuring performance resulted in improved quality of guest profiles for 73% of the managers in five star hotels in Nairobi County whereas 67% of the managers experienced an increase in training hours per employee.
Food Quality Perspectives in African Fish Products: Practices, Challenges and Prospects
(International Research Publication House, 2016) Lokuruka, Michael N. I.
A fishery value chain includes the handling, processing, marketing and sales of fishery products to consumers; in the African context, the major types of fishes harvested from the waters of the Continent shelf and which feature in the fishery value chain include: cods, herrings, basses, redfishes, hakes, Jacks, mullets and saurines (FAO, 1998). The oceans, lakes and rivers are still the most important source of fishery products for Africa’s fishing nations. Besides significant fish harvest from natural water courses, aquaculture is becoming an increasingly important fish production activity. Unlike other parts of the world, the African inland aquaculture industry does not largely culture prawns, cuttlefish, snails, lobster and other shellfish. However, wherebasket or cage farming is practiced in inshore coastal areas, crustaceans and shellfish are farmed on a small scale to cater for touristsand resident foreigners. However, farming molluscs and crustaceans has the potential for development into a prosperous commercial activity. Informal markets for the sale of fish are just as important and widely spread in Africa as they are in Asia. The preference for informal markets for fish supply is premised on the low-cost of the foods available at the markets, the extensive spread of markets and the availability of large amounts of similar and affordable commodities
Geophagy amidst Compulsory Iron Supplementation among Pregnant Women Attending Ant-Natal Clinics in Likuyani Sub- County (Kenya)
(2016-05-26) Waswa, Judith; Asiko, L.; Ngugi, L. W.
Geophagy the deliberate and frequent ingestion of soil commonly regarded as a form of pica –an appetite for non-food substances is a widely reported practice, especially among people in the tropics. There are number of reasons put forward for the habit of consuming soil. There are three major postulates that have been advanced to explain the physiological causes of geophagy: among them, iron deficiency. In Kenya there has been a campaign on compulsory iron supplementation. However, it has not been established whether the supplementation has reduced the prevalence of anemia and its related health implications including geophagy. A cross-sectional study was carried out in three rural based health centers, in Likuyani sub County of Kakamega County. A sample of 180 respondents was used. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The healthcare providers were also interviewed on the access and coverage of iron supplements to the pregnant mothers. Data was analyzed using descriptive analysis, chi square and logistic regression. Results of this study indicated that 60% of pregnant women were geophagic. Age of the mother and spouse’s education level were the predictors of geophagy. More than two thirds of the respondents indicated that they have never received iron supplements in the health facility. Those who had ever received indicated that they were given tablets to last seven days at their first visit to the ante natal clinic. Interviews with the healthcare providers in the facility indicated that they had less supply of the supplements and therefore resulted to giving dietary advice to the pregnant mothers. The prevalence of geophagy in Kenya still remains high despite compulsory iron supplementation. Compulsory iron supplementation for pregnant women in Kenya has not been achieved since there are inadequate supplies in the rural areas.
In Vitro Bioactivities of Commonly Consumed Cereal, Vegetable, and Legume Seeds as Related to Their Bioactive Components: An Untargeted Metabolomics Approach Using UHPLC–QTOF-MS2.
(2023-07) Aloo, Simon Akomo; Ofosu, Fred Kwame; Muchiri, Mary; Vijayalakshmi, Selvakumar
: We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-glycation activities associated with the consumption of broccoli, red cabbage, alfalfa, and buckwheat seeds. Additionally, we explored the relationship between these biological activities and the profiles of amino acids, polyphenols, and organic acids identified in the seeds. Our findings demonstrated that red cabbage, broccoli, and buckwheat extracts exhibited significantly higher antioxidant potential compared to the alfalfa extract. Moreover, buckwheat displayed the most signif icant capacity for inhibiting alpha-glucosidase. Remarkably, broccoli and red cabbage demonstrated substantial anti-glycation and lipase inhibitory potentials. We identified the presence of amino acids, polyphenols, and organic acids in the extracts through untargeted metabolomics analysis. Correlation analysis revealed that pyroglutamic acid positively correlated with all the investigated functional properties. Most polyphenols made positive contributions to the functional properties, with the exception of ferulic acid, which displayed a negative correlation with all tested biological activities. Furthermore, gluconic acid and arabinonic acid among the organic acids identified displayed a positive correlation with all the functional properties. These results strongly support the anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and anti-glycation potential of red cabbage, broccoli, and buckwheat seeds.
In vitro investigation of orange fleshed sweet potato prebiotic potential and its implication on human gut health
(2017) Muchiri, Mary N.; McCartney, Anne L.
In vitro investigation of orange fleshed sweet potato prebiotic potential and its implication on human gut health
(Functional Foods in health and disease, 2017) Muchiri, Mary N.; McCartney, Anne L.
Some food ingredients (prebiotics) have been shown to promote a healthy gut by selectively stimulating growth/activity of beneficial gastrointestinal microbes and metabolites such as short chain fatty acids (SCFA) while inhibiting pathogens. Orange fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam; OFSP) root tuber is a starchy tropical crop and highly nutritious in terms of pro-vitamin A (beta carotene), dietary fibre, and natural sugars, with negligible amount of fats and cholesterol.
INFLUENCE OF ENERGY CONSERVATION PRACTICES ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN STAR RATED HOTELS IN MT. KENYA REGION, KENYA
(2022-10-10) CHOMBA, Grace Wanjiru; BICHAGE, Gesage; KARIUKI, Ann
This study sought to establish the effect of energy conservation practices on customer satisfaction in star rated hotels in Mt. Kenya Region. The study was anchored on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Descriptive research design was used. The study targeted all 24 star rated hotels in Nyeri, Laikipia, Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi. Yamane formula was used to obtain a sample of 243 respondents. Stratified random sampling was used to select the respondents. Primary data collected using structured questionnaires was used. Data collected was analysed using SPSS version 25. The study found that energy conversation practices had a significant and positive relationship with customer satisfaction in star rated hotels in Mt. Kenya Region. The study recommends the need for hotels to adopt sustainable technologies, include the use of energy efficiency measures/equipment, building design techniques that maximize the available daylight
Insights on Dietary Polyphenols as Agents against Metabolic Disorders: Obesity as a Target Disease
(2023-02-08) Aloo, Simon Akomo; Ofosu, Fred Kwame; Kim, Nam-Hyeon; Kilonzi, Sheila M.; Oh, Deog-Hwan
: Obesity is a condition that leads to increased health problems associated with metabolic disorders. Synthetic drugs are available for obesity treatment, but some of these compounds have demonstrated considerable side effects that limit their use. Polyphenols are vital phytonutrients of plant origin that can be incorporated as functional food ingredients. This review presents recent developments in dietary polyphenols as anti-obesity agents. Evidence supporting the potential application of food-derived polyphenols as agents against obesity has been summarized. Literature evidence supports the effectiveness of plant polyphenols against obesity. The anti-obesity mechanisms of polyphenols have been explained by their potential to inhibit obesity-related digestive enzymes, modulate neurohormones/peptides involved in food intake, and their ability to improve the growth of beneficial gut microbes while inhibiting the proliferation of pathogenic ones. Metabolism of polyphenols by gut microbes produces different metabolites with enhanced biological properties. Thus, research demonstrates that dietary polyphenols can offer a novel path to developing functional foods for treating obesity. Upcoming investigations need to explore novel techniques, such as nanocarriers, to improve the content of polyphenols in foods and their delivery and bioavailability at the target sites in the body
A Literature Review of Role of Obesity in Adult Health with Reference to Africa
(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2013) Lokuruka, Michael
Although obesity is a global epidemic that affects every socio-economic class, little is available in the literature on the status of the syndrome in Africa. This literature review was therefore written in order to highlight the causes, effects and potential mitigation measures of the syndrome with particular interest on the status of the condition in Africa. Obesity results from an incorrect energy balance leading to an increased store of energy, mainly as fat. The major factors that contribute to obesity include over-nutrition, physical inactivity, change of dietary habits, modernization, consumption of high fat, high carbohydrate foods, urbanization and in a minority of patients a physical condition or metabolic disturbance. Body mass index (BMI) is currently being used by competent authorities as an index of obesity. BMI differentiates classes of obesity, with class I, II and III being identified with BMI of ≥30 but <35, ≥35 but <40, and ≥40, respectively. A BMI of 18.5-25 is regarded as normal. However, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate obesity due to excess fat deposition and that due to muscle atrophy. Also, current procedures for estimating body fat percentage are not as accurate as they should and often give different results. Despite women tending to be more obese than men, they are less prone to hypertension, heart disease and type 2 diabetes than men before they reach menopause due to their fat deposition being predominantly sub-cutaneous rather than abdominal. In 2010, the WHO estimated that about 1.4 billion adults were overweight and obese, but 300-400 million were obese. The defining metabolic changes in obesity are decreased glucose tolerance, decreased sensitivity to insulin, hyperinsulinemia and reduced life expectancy. Obesity can be treated by restricting food intake and engaging in regular physical exercises. Other measures include the use of anorectic drugs and various forms of jejunoileostomy. Obesity is a controllable behavioural disorder, with regular exercise and sensible eating being the best ways to regulate body fat percentage and maintain a healthy body weight. As it is difficult to treat obesity, efforts should be directed towards prevention in order to keep it in check.
Meat is the Meal and Status is by Meat: Recognition of Rank, Wealth, and Respect Through Meat in Turkana Culture
(Taylor and Francis, 2006-12) Lokuruka, Michael N. I.
Although milk is the main meal and major contributor to nutritional requirements of the Turkana nomads, livestock-meat increasingly becomes central to the diet whenever the milk supply declines, and as the dry season progresses. Major social obligations are performed and networks made, maintained, and extended using livestock-meat, whose apportionment is based on seniority and power, which are equated to age and the order of marriage for females at the homestead feast. Age, the position in the hierarchy of the generation-set, and wealth, are the considerations for meat distribution at the males-only meat feast. Being the rare, desirable and major food item donated, exchanged, or offered in social transactions and as the main food in the dry season elevates its status. The analysis suggests that livestock-meat, a high status food, reveals gender, rank, respect, and perceived status of the Turkana pastoralist on social occasions.