A four-year student at the College of Agriculture and Food Technology (CoAF) at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has developed a product aimed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and minimizing post-harvest fruit losses on farms.

Masunga Maganga, an undergraduate student in food science and technology, told this journalist that his research led him to discover an alternative energy source that can enhance energy levels while avoiding the drawbacks associated with caffeine consumption.

The alternative product is said to utilize indigenous iron-rich fruits, such as beetroot, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and mitigate the health impacts associated with consuming caffeinated energy drinks.

According to him, the discovered product provides an extended opportunity for energy drink consumption among individuals with caffeine sensitivity, such as pregnant women and children.

“We have decided to utilize indigenous iron-rich fruits to boost energy while avoiding the drawbacks associated with caffeine consumption,” he revealed.

Adding that: “These fruits are rich in vitamins, including vitamin B9, as well as potassium, magnesium, iron, and essential amino acids that are crucial for good health.”

Maganga explained that his research was prompted by the fact that caffeine is a primary ingredient in most energy drinks, yet scientific studies have revealed various negative health impacts associated with caffeine consumption.

He identified these negative health impacts as high blood pressure, ventricular arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and addiction.

“We have utilized indigenous iron-rich fruits that are essential for supporting people’s health and well-being. He identified these essential nutrients as vitamin B9, potassium, magnesium, and amino acids,” he said.

According to Maganga, the product is suitable for everyone due to its potential health benefits.

“As more people continue to die from cardiovascular diseases, it’s important to note that many of these conditions can be prevented by addressing behavioral and environmental risk factors, such as unhealthy diets, tobacco use, obesity, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol consumption, and air pollution,” he said.

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally.

An estimated 17.9 million people died from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in 2019, accounting for 32 percent of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85 percent were attributed to heart attacks and strokes.

Over three-quarters of CVD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Of the 17 million premature deaths (under the age of 70) attributed to non-communicable diseases in 2019, 38 percent were caused by CVDs.

Why are cardiovascular diseases a significant issue in low- and middle-income countries? At least three-quarters of the world's CVD deaths occur in these regions.

Individuals living in low- and middle-income countries often lack access to primary healthcare programs that facilitate the early detection and treatment of risk factors for CVDs.

Moreover, people in these countries who suffer from CVDs and other non-communicable diseases have reduced access to effective and equitable healthcare services that meet their needs.

As a result, many individuals in these countries experience late detection of diseases, leading to premature deaths from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and other non-communicable diseases, often during their most productive years.

The poorest populations in low- and middle-income countries are the most severely impacted.

At the household level, emerging evidence suggests that CVDs and other non-communicable diseases contribute to poverty through catastrophic health expenditures and high out-of-pocket costs for care.

At the macroeconomic level, CVDs impose a significant burden on the economies of low- and middle-income countries, straining healthcare systems and limiting economic growth.