Staples found in Guyana

 Staples

Staples make up the dominant part of one's diet. They contain macronutrients and micronutrients; carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins.

 

Sources of Staples

Plantain, breadfruit, cornmeal, potato, eddo, bread, flour, rice, corn, yam, cassava

 

 

Advantages

◇ Excellent source of carbohydrates, which is broken down to glucose to provide energy.

◇ Excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber. The fiber helps to prevent and treat constipation, as well as lowers and controls blood sugar, blood cholesterol and blood pressure.

◇ It causes one to feel full and as such eat less food, increasing the chances of weight loss.

◇ Excellent source of sodium.

◇ Versatile and prevents monotony in menu and or meal planning.

◇ Good source of phytoestrogen.

 

Disadvantages

◇ Increased consumption of Staples such as rice is associated with increased rates of obesity.

◇ Food made from highly processed grains cause blood pressure to spike soon after eating. Frequent blood sugar spikes can eventually contribute to the development  of type 2 diabetes.

◇ Can cause cancer. Acrylamide is a chemical that is created when starchy foods such as potato are cooked for long periods on high temperature such as frying, baking, grilling, toasting and roasting. The chemical causes cancer.

Reference

www.paho.org. (n.d.). PAHO/WHO | Pan American Health Organization. [online] Available at: https://www.paho.org/.

Society, N.G. (n.d.). National Geographic Society. [online] www.nationalgeographic.org. Available at: http://www.nationalgeographic.org/.

News18. (2016). News18.com: CNN News18 Latest News, Breaking News, Current News Headlines. [online] Available at: https://www.news18.com/.