Dar es Salaam. Food platters, locally referred to as visinia, have rapidly gained popularity in Tanzania's urban food culture, especially at restaurants, family events, and social functions. Celebrated for their vibrant presentation, diversity, and social appeal, platters have become a preferred choice for many diners. However, health professionals are cautioning that certain versions of these dishes are promoting unhealthy eating habits and may raise the risk of lifestyle-related diseases. Nutritionist Jumanne Mushi pointed out that while a balanced platter can provide nutritional benefits, most available options focus more on visual appeal and taste than health. "A healthy platter should include a good protein source, vegetables or salads, and whole grains such as brown rice or roasted plantains," he said. "Unfortunately, many platters served in restaurants are just different forms of fried foods—fries, fried chicken, sausages—and that’s not variety. That’s just excess oil on one plate." According to him, the ongoing popularity of these high-calorie platters, particularly among young people with inactive lifestyles, could result in an increase in obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Health organizations have previously voiced concerns about the growing number of lifestyle-related conditions, much of which is associated with diet and lack of physical activity. Nutrition expert Emmanuel James also highlighted that portion size is often ignored. Platters are generally meant for sharing, but they are increasingly being consumed by individuals as full meals. "In one sitting, a person might consume two to three times the recommended daily calorie intake. It's not just what you eat, but how much," he stated. Mr. James emphasized that the solution lies in making better choices rather than avoiding platters altogether. "Food platters themselves are not inherently unhealthy. The key is to choose grilled or steamed items, add vegetables, and share meals when possible," he said. General practitioner Dr. Magnus Msango echoed this advice, noting that even nutritious foods can become problematic if eaten in large quantities. "Portion control is essential. If you're forcing yourself to finish everything on the plate, you're putting unnecessary strain on your digestive system. You can always save the rest for later," he said. Dr. Msango added that regular consumption of deep-fried platters can lead to long-term health risks. "Frequent intake of fried foods is linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. It's important to be mindful of how often you eat these platters and how much you consume," he warned. For Aidah Ally, a customer who enjoys eating platters, moderation and balance are crucial. "I always think in thirds—one third protein, one third vegetables, and one third healthy carbohydrates. But most platters today are 80 percent fried food," she said. Meanwhile, a platter vendor based in Makumbusho, who requested anonymity, mentioned that although their menus state that platters are intended for multiple people, customers often choose to eat them alone. "You can't deny a customer what they want. We just prepare the food, and we ensure it's safe and hygienic. But ultimately, people have to take responsibility for their choices," she said. This follows studies showing that 67.2 percent of Dar es Salaam residents are overweight. A study conducted in 2020 by the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) found that individuals who frequently ate outside their homes, especially from restaurants, were more likely to be overweight compared to those who brought meals from home. The Head of the Research and Training Department at the JKCI, Dr. Pedro Pallangyo, was quoted as saying that Dar es Salaam residents do not face issues with food scarcity but rather a lack of discipline regarding meal times. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
Dar es Salaam. Food platters, locally referred to as visinia, have rapidly gained popularity in Tanzania's urban food culture, especially at restaurants, family events, and social functions. Celebrated for their vibrant presentation, diversity, and social appeal, platters have become a preferred choice for many diners. However, health professionals are cautioning that certain versions of these dishes are promoting unhealthy eating habits and may raise the risk of lifestyle-related diseases. Nutritionist Jumanne Mushi pointed out that while a balanced platter can provide nutritional benefits, most available options focus more on visual appeal and taste than health. "A healthy platter should include a good protein source, vegetables or salads, and whole grains such as brown rice or roasted plantains," he said. "Unfortunately, many platters served in restaurants are just different forms of fried foods—fries, fried chicken, sausages—and that’s not variety. That’s just excess oil on one plate." According to him, the ongoing popularity of these high-calorie platters, particularly among young people with inactive lifestyles, could result in an increase in obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Health organizations have previously voiced concerns about the growing number of lifestyle-related conditions, much of which is associated with diet and lack of physical activity. Nutrition expert Emmanuel James also highlighted that portion size is often ignored. Platters are generally meant for sharing, but they are increasingly being consumed by individuals as full meals. "In one sitting, a person might consume two to three times the recommended daily calorie intake. It's not just what you eat, but how much," he stated. Mr. James emphasized that the solution lies in making better choices rather than avoiding platters altogether. "Food platters themselves are not inherently unhealthy. The key is to choose grilled or steamed items, add vegetables, and share meals when possible," he said. General practitioner Dr. Magnus Msango echoed this advice, noting that even nutritious foods can become problematic if eaten in large quantities. "Portion control is essential. If you're forcing yourself to finish everything on the plate, you're putting unnecessary strain on your digestive system. You can always save the rest for later," he said. Dr. Msango added that regular consumption of deep-fried platters can lead to long-term health risks. "Frequent intake of fried foods is linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. It's important to be mindful of how often you eat these platters and how much you consume," he warned. For Aidah Ally, a customer who enjoys eating platters, moderation and balance are crucial. "I always think in thirds—one third protein, one third vegetables, and one third healthy carbohydrates. But most platters today are 80 percent fried food," she said. Meanwhile, a platter vendor based in Makumbusho, who requested anonymity, mentioned that although their menus state that platters are intended for multiple people, customers often choose to eat them alone. "You can't deny a customer what they want. We just prepare the food, and we ensure it's safe and hygienic. But ultimately, people have to take responsibility for their choices," she said. This follows studies showing that 67.2 percent of Dar es Salaam residents are overweight. A study conducted in 2020 by the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) found that individuals who frequently ate outside their homes, especially from restaurants, were more likely to be overweight compared to those who brought meals from home. The Head of the Research and Training Department at the JKCI, Dr. Pedro Pallangyo, was quoted as saying that Dar es Salaam residents do not face issues with food scarcity but rather a lack of discipline regarding meal times. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).