A Dietitian and food consultant, Nii Amartei has advised women, who are suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), to consider eating local foods like banku and a lot of okro stew to manage the condition

PCOS is a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges, common among women of reproductive age.

Women with PCOS may have irregular menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs.

The cause of PCOS may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors with symptoms including, menstrual irregularity, excess hair growth, acne and obesity.

Nii Amartei described banku and a lot of okro stew as ideal for managing the condition, because it contains high fibre content. Fibre in the maize used in preparing banku burns excess sugar in the body, hence reducing cholesterol and checking diabetes.

“In treating PCOS, we check for the weight and sugar level of the patients. Eating foods rich in fibre like banku is good in managing sugar level”, he stated.

Speaking with Emefa Akosua Adeti on Prime Morning Tuesday, the food Consultant revealed that, PCOS is related to high sugar levels, cholesterol and overweight, hence the need to consume foods that can burn excess sugar and reduce cholesterol level in the body.

“There are two things we do after a patient has been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome; first is to manage high sugar level and weight. It is appropriate to take foods that do not spike up the sugar level i.e. foods high in fibre content”, he added.

Discussing the treatment of PCOS, the Dietitian advised that women should visit a Gynaecologist after experiencing irregular menstrual cycles, lower abdominal pains and rapid facial hair growth for a proper check-up. This is necessary because early detection will help manage the condition according to Mr. Amartei.

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In managing the condition, he said, “women should work on their bodyweight since both under and overweights are related to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. This has to do with taking whole-grain foods rich in fibre to maintain right sugar level and cholesterol in the body”.