The Glycaemic Index and Load o f Three Ghanaian Staple Foods: Sweet Potato, Taro and Ripe Plantain

Abstract

Consumption of local staples in Ghana comes with a lot of health-related issues regarding their load. The study therefore sought to assess the glycaemic index and load of sweet potatoes, taro and firm ripe plantain, which are commonly consumed in Ghana. The study was conducted at the Biriwa Baobab Medical Centre in Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region of Ghana. Nineteen (19) participants (9 males and 10 females) were purposively and randomly selected in accordance with the study protocol for determining glycaemic index and load of the test foods for the study. A crossover experimental design was adopted for the study. The results of the study showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the glycaemic index of sweet potatoes, taro and firm ripe plantain at p < 0.004. Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference in the glycaemic load of sweet potatoes, taro and firm ripe plantain at p < 0.00. Also, a statistically significant difference in the chemical composition of sweet potatoes, taro and firm ripe plantain was discovered at p < 0.00. It was concluded that sweet potatoes had the least GI of 33.92 while firm ripe plantain and taro had medium and high GIs of 58.89 and 98.76 respectively. The GLs of the test foods were 161.85, 62.88 and 43.64 for taro, firm ripe plantain and sweet potatoes respectively. All the test foods had high GLs (GL≥20). The study therefore recommended among others that dieticians help in educating the general public on the consequences of consuming high glycaemic foods.