ABSTRACT
The processed foods have a particular symbolic significance in rural Africa – as a sign of monetary income and modern development. As elsewhere in the world, the uptake of these highly processed products is introducing health problems to these communities. In 2014 Sam Chimbarara, one of the management team from the Chikukwa project, asked the author if he could write something about dietary guidelines to prevent diabetes and heart trouble. As someone who has had heart trouble and been trained in the evidence based science of healthy eating, he was happy to produce this leaflet. What the author suggest is what we might ideally do to avoid the conditions, making use of the best science. However, it is only fair to admit that there are ways in which his suggestions confront some cultural norms of the community. In terms of what the rules say are good things to eat, they are: Roughage and fibre, Vitamins and Protein.
