A registered dietician has cautioned Ghanaians against eating noodles too often, describing the popular convenience food as ultra-processed and potentially harmful to health.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, Nana Ama Dwamena, RD, said regular intake of noodles provides little nutritional value and may increase the risk of illnesses, including obesity and hypertension.

“I think noodles are the worst. They are ultra-processed, and that increases the risk of a lot of illnesses,” she said, emphasising the need for healthier alternatives.

Ms Dwamena advised consumers to opt for whole-wheat spaghetti, which contains more fibre and nutrients compared to regular white spaghetti or noodles. She added that meals should always include vegetables and protein to ensure a balanced diet.

“If you are eating white spaghetti, you can make it better by adding vegetables because vegetables provide fibre. Add eggs, chicken or other protein sources. You can’t just eat it plain because that is a lot of carbohydrates,” she explained.

The dietician also spoke about coffee consumption, warning that excessive caffeine can increase blood pressure — a concern in Ghana, where hypertension affects many adults, often without their knowledge.

“Coffee is not terrible on its own, but the issue is the caffeine component. Caffeine constricts the blood vessels, which can lead to increased blood pressure,” Ms Dwamena said. She recommended that people, particularly those with high blood pressure, consume coffee occasionally rather than daily.