Dr Kelvin Bepagr, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Kelpro Chiropractic and Natural Remedy Center says the consumption of ‘spicy and junk’ diets, alien to the Ghanaian culture and tradition reduce the life expectancy of children.

He cautioned families to be mindful, control and manage the meals of their children, saying the average life expectancy in Africa had reduced to 63 years partly from the uncontrolled consumption of those foreign foods.

Dr Bepagr gave the advice when speaking at the “Kelpro Children’s herbal fiesta” organised by Kelpro Foundation at Berekum in the Bono Region, saying the consumption of ‘fast’ foods undermined body immunity.

The fiesta aimed at promoting the consumption of locally prepared Ghanaian diet and tradition and culture among children.

Dr Bepagr expressed concern about the adulteration of the Ghanaian culture, saying that was also responsible for the uncontrolled use of agro-chemicals for farming activities which was detrimental to human health.

He stressed the need to promote the use of herbal medicines and the consumption of local diets, saying the uncontrolled use of agrochemicals for farming practices was not only harmful to human health, but also destroyed the natural nutrients in the soil leading to food contamination.

Dr Bepagr said the use of organic fertilizer and manure for farming is the best option for the nation now to promote good health and urged the people to check their eating habits.

Apostle Paul Osei Agyeman of Berekum Remenent Worship Centre also urged families to teach their children how to prepare local food without applying spices.

He said: “The high mortality rates we are recording now is partly attributed to foreign diets which contain high spices.