Abstract:
In a descriptive survey, this study explored menopausal symptoms of 120 women aged 40
60 years and the food they ate among the Six Food Groups of Ghana. Questionnaire was
used to collect the data which were analysed with the SPSS to generate frequencies an
percentage tables for discussion. More than half of the menopausal women experienced
mood swings; hot flashes; reduced work output; fatigue; sleeplessness; and weight gain.The
main vegetables consumed by all the women were tomatoes, onions, pepper, gard
and kontomire (cocoyam leaves). Majority ate fish; maize;
banana, and palm oil. A moderate percentage ate rice, wheat, cow peas, soy oil and frytol;
minority ate animal foods other than fish; starchy roots and plantain
seeds, carrots cabbage, cucumber, French beans and spring onions, green pepper and
lettuce; beverage, fruit drink and fresh fruit juice. The women restricted themselves to a
few of the nutritious local foods among the Ghana six food
advantage of to reduce or prevent their menopausal challenges.
that menopausal women increase the variety, frequency and portions of fruits and
vegetables consumed especially because of their phyto
topics on nutrition and menopause should be included in the Home Economics curriculum;
and Home Economists and Nutritionists in the community should organize talks on
Nutrition and Menopause for women groups.
