‘Mulokoni’: Stamp out weak bones, joint pain

Feb 06, 2011

JANE'S friends were shocked when she asked a waiter at an upscale restaurant if they prepared mulokony (cattle hooves). Mulokony is a delicacy in many parts of Uganda. <br>

By Viqué-Ocean Kahinju
JANE'S friends were shocked when she asked a waiter at an upscale restaurant if they prepared mulokony (cattle hooves). Mulokony is a delicacy in many parts of Uganda.

Damalie Gusenga, a nutritionist at Ebenezer Health Centre in Kampala, says cattle eat lots of green plants (including grass) that are nutritious and loaded with curative benefits.

“As cattle benefit from greens, man also benefits from eating the hooves,” she explains.

Some people eat mulokony not only as a delicacy, but also for its curative benefits. For instance people who suffer from joint and spine pains or arthritis are advised to drink mulokony soup and eat the cartilage.

Alexander Mugisha, a nutritionist in Kampala, says cattle have powerful feet comprising tough tendons and a rich bone marrow. When prepared as food and eaten daily, or at least twice a week, mulokony strengthens weak bones and prevents bone diseases.

“Mulokony comprises zinc, copper, manganese, fatty acids, Vitamins A and D as well as biotin. Fatty acids also play a role in maintaining a waterproof barrier in the hoof, having the same effect on human bones.

Calcium and phosphorus are crucial for bone development and checking against osteoporosis,” says Mugisha.
“Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become fragile and brittle, leading to a higher risk of fractures (breaks or cracks),” explains Mugisha.

He says this condition occurs when bones lose minerals, such as calcium more quickly than the body can replace them, which leads to a loss of bone thickness (bone mass or density).

Consequently, the bones in the hip, spine, wrist, ribs, pelvis and upper arm become so thin and less dense that even a minor accident can cause serious fractures, also known as fragility or minimal trauma fractures.

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