In anticipation of the upcoming 3FM Gobɛ festival scheduled for March 16, 2024, nutritionist Fred Amese has shed light on the manifold health benefits of Gobɛ (Beans and red oil mixed with gari).
He said the meal, which is eaten with ripe plantain is very nutritional.
According to Amese, “Gobɛ is good for men because it improves sperm quality,” he emphasized, stressing the rich dietary fiber content of Gobɛ, which is a staggering 64%.
He said in an interview with Johnnie Hughes and Helen Appiah-Ampofo on 3FM Sunrise Morning Show on March 15.
“Despite its high carbohydrate content, the slow release of carbohydrates into the system mitigates the risk of developing diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar levels,” he explained.
Highlighting the significance of glycemic index in Gobɛ, Amese elaborated, “The low glycemic index of Gobɛ ensures a gradual release of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels and reducing the body’s dependency on insulin, thereby mitigating the risk of type two diabetes.”
Amese recommended incorporating Gobɛ into one’s diet once a week for optimal nutritional benefits. He cautioned against excessive consumption, particularly for individuals with sedentary lifestyles, to prevent calorie accumulation and consequent weight gain.
Expounding on Gobɛ‘s culinary versatility, Amese advocated for diverse combinations to enhance taste and appeal, particularly for children.
“Gobɛ combination is really good because, when it comes to protein, we have essential amino acid and non-essential amino acid. Both combined in their right quantities will give you your 100% protein quality. Apart from that, it also enhances the taste, because one of the things with food choices is about taste.
If you want your child to develop taste for Gobɛ, today you give that child Gobɛ with rice, tomorrow give that child Gobɛ with gari, another day give that child Gob3 with yam. It changes the combination, that way the variety would make the child develop appeal from the food” he said.
As the 3FM Gobɛ festival approaches, Amese’s insights serve to underscore the multifaceted health benefits of Gobɛ, reaffirming its status as a nutritional powerhouse worthy of incorporation into daily diets.
By Joselyn Kafui Nyadzi