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Tag: nutritionist

  • Consumption of ‘Ewedu’ can prevent cancer, coronary diseases – Nutritionist

    Olugbenga Jagun, a nutritionist at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital ( UATH), Gwagalada, has said that jute leaf known as ‘Ewedu’ can prevent cancer and coronary diseases due to its richness in antioxidants and phytochemicals.

    Jagun said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

    The jute leaf is one of the common African leafy vegetables cultivated in gardens and farms for home use.

    He said that “Dieticians called it a pharmacy on your plate due to the numerous nutritional-health benefits.

    “It is a good source of vitamins and mineral elements such as calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin C, B, K, Folic acid.

    READ ALSO: Don: Ewedu can cure, prevent Ebola

    “These vitamins and mineral elements have a great therapeutic effects on our body such as the lowering of blood pressure and neural tube defects in pregnant women.

    “It is rich in both essential and non-essential amino acid, example is Lysine. ”

    He added that it also helps to prevent constipation due to the presence of fibre in it, making it a natural laxative.

    Jagun also said the plant could be ideal in the case of obesity because of its almost no-fat and low cholesterol level.

    “The leaf is a good anti-anemic which prevents anaemia due to high iron content and also facilitates the production of red blood cells.

    “Excellent and appropriate food for the elderly because of its calcifying action, that is the supply of calcium,” he said.

    Jagun advised Nigerians to consume the leaf due to its numerous health benefits.

    NAN reports that Jute leaf is popularly called Ewedu among the Yoruba, ahingbara in Igbo and Rama in Hausa.

  • Sweetened foods responsible for excess sugar, says nutritionist

    A reputed nutritionist, Dr. Bisi Abiola, has explained that sweetened food, not fruit juice intake is responsible for excess sugar level, as some people erroneously assumed.

    Abiola, who is the Managing Director of Indulge Nigeria Limited, stated this in her monthly wellness dialogue series, which is supported by Chivita to boost public knowledge on the benefits of 100 percent fruit juice.

    Abiola said the simple sugar contained in whole fruit, and fruit juices are mostly in the form of fructose but also include glucose and sucrose. The amount contained in fruit juices is moderate and far less than the quantity considered as excessive.

    She said most often, the largest quantity of sugar in a diet tends to come from sweetened-processed products such as cakes, sweets, chocolates, puddings/desserts and sugar-added beverages.

    “Sugar in 100 per cent fruit juice always comes with the fruits that have been juiced. It is never added.  Accordingly, the World Health Organisation takes account of natural sugars contained in fruit juices in the ‘free sugars’ category,” the expert explained.

    Abiola pointed out that 100 per cent fruit juice contains no-added sugar, flavour or preservatives, adding that there is no direct link between the product and health risks such as obesity, cancer, diabetes and dental decay.

    According to her, 100 per cent fruit juice contains fructose, which is equivalent to the raw fruits they are made from. She explained that some fruit juices are sweeter than others because fruits, which they are extracted from, are of varied amount of sugar.

    She said: “Juice is an important source of nutrients for many people and 100 percent fruit juice makes a valuable contribution to your daily intake of Vitamin C. A glass of pure orange fruit juice is also a good source of folate and potassium. It is a difficult task for children, and harder for adults to eat the five recommended portions of fruit a day, a problem readily solved by ready to drink fruit juices like Chivita 100 percent Fruit Juice.

    “But surprisingly, the sugar scare is overshadowing the positive contributions that fruit juice makes to the national health. Research supports favourable effects of fruit juices on lipid profile and blood pressure.

    “With regards to dental decay, there is no major evidence of a link with the consumption of fruit or fruit juices, except when related to feeding bottles in early childhood. In a methodical review of the evidence, there exists no reliable evidence of negative impact of 100 percent fruit juice on health, including body weight, cardiovascular disease and risk of type two diabetes.”

     

  • Book presentation

    A book, West African Diet for the prevention and treatment of diabetes, was presented to the public on August 6 at Freedom Park, Broad Street, near City Hall, Lagos. It was authored by Adekemi Adejare, a dietician/nutritionist.

    Some topics discussed in the book include: high blood pressure, high cholesterols and weight management.

    The goal of the book is to help as many people as possible to stop high blood pressure, preventing diabetes, control blood pressure, stop high cholesterol and stop all killer diseases. Maintaining your weight is the main key focus of the book.

    “The objective of the book is for people to pay attention to their diet because a lot of diseases start from what we eat. We have to interpret the type of food we eat and the amount of food we eat.  Everything we put in our body system have impart, it interpret each other. We need to remember that food is medicine. Our mouth needs to be watched on what it takes. Food has imparts in our body so what we eat can either break our system or build it”, the author said.

  • Breastfeeding: Nutritionist advocates six months maternity leave

    Breastfeeding: Nutritionist advocates six months maternity leave

    A Nutritionist, Prof. Ngozi Nnam, has advocated six months maternity leave for nursing mothers to enable them carry out exclusive breastfeeding of their babies for the period.

    Nnam, a Professor of Community and Public Health Nutrition at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

    She also urged the Federal Government to approve six months maternity leave for nursing mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies before going back to work.

    The nutritionist said exclusive breastfeeding could be encouraged among the nursing mothers, especially working class mothers through “nutrition education.’’

    “Mothers should be given nutrition talk on breastfeeding, the benefits; to the child; mother; family and the nation at large through all available means.

    “The talk should be given through all available means such as antenatal visits, incidental discussions, women’s meetings in churches and mosques, town hall meetings, men’s meetings.

    “The benefits will encourage mothers to continue with exclusive breastfeeding, even if there are challenges.

    “The talk should also include how to overcome the challenges of breastfeeding.
    “It helps them to overcome challenges such as correct positioning of the baby for breastfeeding and correct attachment of the baby to the nipple.

    “It will also help them to overcome challenges for the baby to empty one nipple before sucking the other one, frequency of breastfeeding and how to improve milk production, among others,’’ Nnam said.

    She also urged that Crèche should be put in place in all offices and work places to enable working class mothers practice exclusive breastfeeding during office hours.

    The professor, however, noted that management of many work places are yet to implement the international policy on Crèche.

    The international policy says any employer that has more than 50 people should provide a crèche where a woman can always take care of the child and breastfeed him or her on demand.

    Nnam, who was the immediate past President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria said breastfeeding could help to lower the incidence of breast cancer in women.

    “This is because women who breastfeed have less exposure to estrogen which has been shown to precipitate some types of breast cancer.

    “Breastfeeding could also make breast cells more resistant to mutations that can cause cancer. These benefits could help encourage women to breastfeed,’’ she said.

    Nnam, however, said that lifestyle, including diet could precipitate cancer and called on women to eat adequate food.

    “Women can prevent cancer by eating adequate diet. It is easy to eat adequate diet.

    “All that is required is to pick at least a food item from the different food groups in adequate proportion in a meal.

    “The food groups are roots, tubers and legumes, vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, poultry, milk, fats and oil.’’

     

  • Eating mushrooms can avert diseases, says Nutritionist

    Eating mushrooms can avert diseases, says Nutritionist

    An Ibadan-based nutritionist, Ms Dayo Olawunmi, said eating mushrooms regularly could help to lower risk of contracting diseases, including diabetes, cancer and obesity.

    Olawunmi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ibadan that mushrooms were rich in antioxidants and many disease fighting nutrients like vitamin D known to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

    “Studies have shown that mushrooms are naturally low in sodium, fat, cholesterol and calories. In addition to providing basic nutrition, they help prevent chronic diseases due to the presence of antioxidants.”

    She said that mushrooms were also rich in potassium and sodium which worked together to regulate blood pressure to promote a healthy heart.

    “Consuming mushrooms, which are rich in potassium and low in sodium helps to lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.

    “Mushrooms also contain choline, an important nutrient that helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory,” she said.

    Olawunmi, however, cautioned that not all mushrooms were edible and that eating some could lead to serious illness and even death.

    “It is best to consume mushrooms that have been cultivated under appropriate conditions; not all the varieties of the plant are edible.

    “Eating wild mushrooms that are toxic to humans can cause severe illness, and sometimes, even death,” she stated.

    Edible mushrooms, like the cauliflower mushrooms, are the fleshy and edible fruit bodies of several species of macro fungi (fungi which bear fruiting structures that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye).

    They can appear either below ground or above ground where they may be picked by hand.

  • Breastfeeding: Nutritionist advises employers to provide crèches

    Breastfeeding: Nutritionist advises employers to provide crèches

    A nutritionist, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo, has advised employers to provide crèches in their work places to support nursing mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding for six months.

    Onimawo, the Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo state, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

    He said employers should look at the international policy on crèches and implement same in the country.

    “The international policy says any employer that has more than 50 people should provide a crèche where a woman can always take care of the child and breastfeed him or her on demand.

    “All these come to play if we want to improve breastfeeding rate in the country,’’ the expert said.

    Onimawo, who is also a former President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, said awareness on breastfeeding was not enough in the country.

    He advised medical workers to educate nursing mothers on the need to embrace exclusive breastfeeding for their babies.

    “Some nursing mothers give excuse that they are career women but that should not be an excuse for not breastfeeding because there are ways of doing it.

    “Breast milk can be expressed even if it is not stored in the fridge; it is healthy, so people need to know that breast milk can be expressed while the mother is at work.

    “Mothers need to know that breast milk contains more than 80 per cent water. The child doesn’t need water while being breastfed,’’ he said.

    Onimawo said there were a lot of advantages of practising exclusive breastfeeding for the baby and the mother.

    “Exclusive breastfeeding will make the child to be healthy and he or she will be more intelligent.

    “ The mother of the child will visit clinic less because the health of the mother will improve and the mother is not likely to develop loop that can lead to breast cancer.

    “So, there are so many advantages and when the mother knows about this; on her own, she will begin to practise it,’’ he said.

    In addition, Onimawo urged Nigerians to eat balanced diet.

    “Our diets are heavily carbohydrate and too much of it is not good for human nutrition.

    “We should include vegetables and fruits in our diets to increase our nutrients,’’ he said.

  • Almond nut prevents heart attack, diabetes – Expert

    Almond nut prevents heart attack, diabetes – Expert

    Mrs Aisha Abdullahi, a Nutritionist with a private hospital in Asokoro, Abuja, on Tuesday said consuming almond nut helps reduce the risk of heart attack and diabetes, among other diseases.

    She said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    According to her, people who consume almond nut five times a week have 50 per cent reduction in risk of developing heart related diseases as well as diabetes.

    Abdullahi stated that almond nut added to daily diet helps lower bad cholesterol, protect against cancer as well as guard against damage of arteries.

    She noted that consuming almond nut help lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals which made it a good snack for diabetic patients as well as others.

    The expert also added that consuming almond nut provides the body with essential and healthy fats required which also aids in weight loss.

    She further mentioned that almond nut contain riboflavin and L carnitine nutrients which help boost brain functions, stating that it reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

    Abdullahi said: “Almond nut is packed with nutritional values such as Vitamin E, B, Magnesium, fibre, copper, protein, calcium phosphorous and iron.

    “Consuming almond nut helps nourish the nervous system, regulate blood pressure, diabetes and also promotes longevity.

    “Almond nuts are rich in proteins that are alkaline forming which helps alkalize the body, boost the immune system as well as prevent osteoporosis.

    “Consumption of almond nut helps in maintaining a healthy bone, weight, healthy skin, good hair and dental care.

    “Consuming almonds helps protect against stress, oxidative damage, and ageing due to its high contents in antioxidants.

    “It also lowers risk of weight gain, lower calorie intake and helps promote gastrointestinal health.

    “Almond nut help prevent gall stones, reduced risk of cancer and helps in energy production,” she noted.

    She, however, suggested soaking the nut before consumption in order to get the nutrients, adding that its nutrients are released when soaked.

    Abdullahi enjoined patients suffering from gall bladder stones and kidney disease to avoid excessive intake of almond nut.

  • Unripe pawpaw heals ulcers – Nutritionist

    Unripe pawpaw heals ulcers – Nutritionist

    Mrs. Aisha Abdullahi a Nutritionist with a private hospital, Asokoro Abuja, said on Wednesday that consuming unripe pawpaw aids in the healing of external and internal ulcers.

    Abudulahi said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    According to her, unripe pawpaw contains high percentage of papain, which makes it a wonderful food that helps the digestive system function better.

    She said explained that unripe pawpaw has numerous benefits due to its high contents in vitamins A, B and C, fibre and protein, among others.

    The expert that consuming unripe pawpaw on an empty stomach helps in the digestion of protein, reduces inflammation, improves immune system as well as helps expel bacteria and viruses.

    She further noted that unripe pawpaw was an anti-inflammatory supplement which helps in reducing inflammation, including osteoarthritis and asthma, among others.

    Other benefits of unripe pawpaw include its richness in antioxidants which helps in the prevention of cholesterol oxidation.

    “It also reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes and also binds toxins that cause cancer in the colon.

    “Consuming the fruit also helps with digestive problems such as bleeding piles, chronic diarrheoa as well as constipation.

    “ Pawpaw consumed in juice form helps reduce inflammation in the lungs especially to those who smoke and those that are exposed to secondhand smoke.

    “It is also a remedy for cough, worms, bladder problems, jaundice, gastric fermentation and gastritis.

    “The unripe pawpaw in juice form also helps regulate the menstrual cycle especially for those with irregular menstrual cycle,’’ she stated.

    Abdullahi further said that boiled unripe pawpaw fruits help in the improvement of potency especially in men.

    She also stated that pawpaw leaves was a remedy for people suffering from epilepsy, stomach ache and severe constipation.

    She, however, stated that pawpaw has been scientifically proven as a cure for many chronic diseases such as pile, among others.

    The nutritionist also stated that pawpaw leaves helps in the treatment of convulsion, malaria, diabetes, stomach ulcer and piles.

    Abdullahi enjoined patients suffering from conditions such as diabetes, stomach ulcer as well as gastric ulcer to include pawpaw in their daily foods.

    The expert also warned that consuming unripe pawpaw juice may cause allergic reactions to pregnant women, adding that it may induce abortion.

  • Living longer through dietary control

    Living longer through dietary control

    Peter Jaret, author of many health-related books, observes that certain groups of people around the world enjoy exceptionally long lives.

    According to him, Pacific Islanders have an average life expectancy of more than 81 years, compared to 78 years in the United States and a worldwide average of 67 years.

    “What makes these groups so fortunate? Evidence suggests that diet is one of the important contributors to longevity and healthy living,’’ he observes further.

    He argues that a healthy diet is one that helps to maintain or improve general health by providing the body with essential nutrition.

    Corroborating this viewpoint, a nutritionist, Mrs Folasade Olatana, explained that eating other foods such as nuts regularly could reduces the risk of contracting major chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes that frequently resulted in deaths.

    “Those that eat nuts actually lived longer. Studies show that nuts help to lower cholesterol, improved arterial function and blood sugar levels.

    “Daily nut consumers have fewer deaths from cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease, even after controlling other lifestyle factors.

    “Nut consumers live significantly longer whether they are older or younger, fat or slim; diets enriched with nuts do not affect body weight, body mass index or waist circumference, Olatana, a consultant with Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, said.

    In addition, Ms Yemisi Olowookere, a dietician with Garki Hospital, Abuja, observed that cultivating the habit of natural spices instead of processed seasonings would enhance longevity and healthy living.

    According to her, natural spices, such as ginger and garlic, contain vital minerals and vitamins that improved healthy lives.

    “People don’t really know the importance of taking garlic and ginger; they look ordinary but are significant in making our bodies healthy.

    “Instead of using the processed or artificial seasoning sold in the market for food, one can add ginger and garlic to improve our health,’’ Olowookere said.

    She also said that garlic and ginger were two herbs that possessed therapeutic and health benefits.

    “Both of these herbs have been studied for their effectiveness in fighting infections, preventing cancer, reducing inflammation and various other applications.

    “Garlic is known to have antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties and both garlic and ginger are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.

    “Ginger is sometimes used to treat arthritis, a disease characterised by inflammation. When ginger is taken in long term, it has sugar reducing effect for those that have diabetes,’’ Olowookere said.

    She observed that although garlic could have a strong smell, its efficacy was more beneficial than its smell.

    In her opinion, Hajiya Jummai Abdul, a nutritionist at Wuse General Hospital, Abuja, stressed that regular intake of yoghurt could also be helpful in the treatment of various diseases and reduce rate of deaths among young persons.

    “Yoghurt prevents heart diseases and lowers the risks of many ailments, including colon cancer; one can enjoy it plain, flavoured or mixed with fruit or fruit syrups.

    “It is a great source of protein, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin B12; all these nutrients are important for bone health,’’ she said.

    She, nonetheless, advised that if anybody is allergic to milk, such person should avoid taking yoghurt because it contains milk proteins.

    Abdul explained that regular intake of yoghurt would promote the normal growth and developments of bones in children by providing nutrients that maintain bone solidity and strength throughout life.

    “Women who suffer from gastrointestinal conditions such as lactose intolerance, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, among others, may find relief through the consumption of yoghurts containing active cultures, she said.

    “Yoghurt is a great source of calcium which is especially important for pregnant women whose calcium reserves are used by their growing baby.

    “Children can consume all kinds of yoghurt and enjoy its benefits as a source of protein, calcium and high phosphorus,’’ she said.

    She added that yoghurt contained ingredients that could stabilise a woman’s body system and provide healthy living.

    She also explained that an essential mineral in yoghurt known as zinc could boost fertility in men.

    For effective dietary control, Dr Kingsley Umeh, a private medical practitioner in Abuja, warned against inclusion of processed foods in daily diets as they might result in piles.

    He said adequate water intake, consumption of healthy meals and maintaining a healthy lifestyle were keys to achieving long live.

    “Most people do not get enough fibre in their diet and they do not even eat enough fresh vegetables and fruits,’’ he observed.

    Umeh, therefore, insisted that taking the time to fill one’s plate with lean proteins, vegetables and other food rich in fibre, as well as eating moderately, will help people to live longer in good health.

  • Consumption of guava lowers blood sugar – Nutritionist

    Consumption of guava lowers blood sugar – Nutritionist

    Hajiya Jummai Abdul, a nutritionist at Wuse General Hospital, Abuja, on Tuesday said consuming guava daily helps lower blood sugar levels.

    Abdul told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the hypoglycemic effect of guava is useful in the treatment of diabetes.

    According to her, those who are at risk of developing diabetes can help prevent it by eating and drinking guava leaf tea.

    She also added that guava was a super fruit due to its numerous health promoting qualities and high contents of vitamins A, C and others which helps maintain healthy weight.

    She said that guava and its leaves were known for their high contents in Vitamins B2, E, K, and Fibre, Calcium, Copper, Folate, Iron, Phosphorous, Manganese and Potassium.

    She encouraged the consumption of guava and its leaves in people with gum problems due to its anti plaque properties, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which help reduce gum inflammation.

    She also stated that consumption of guava could help decrease blood pressure as well as blood lipids due to its high content of potassium, Vitamin C and fibre.

    “Drinking guava leaf tea helps lower cholesterol levels and triglycerides, prevents bad breath as well as promotes healthy skin and hair.

    “ Guava and its leaves helps treat diarrhoea, promotes digestion, controls diabetes, prevent heart disease and also helps boost the immune system.

    “Guava is rich in antioxidants components such helps lower the risk of developing some certain cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, mouth, skin and stomach also colon cancer.

    “Guava tea aid weight loss, treat bronchitis, treat sore throats, cough, cold and also scurvy,’’ she added.

    Besides, Abdul stated that guava was special in such that it required no excessive use of chemical pesticides to preserve it.

    The expert advised pregnant women to consume guava due to its high content in folic acid which helps in the development of the baby’s nervous system as well as protect the baby from neurological disorders.

    She mentioned guava as one of the major fruits that helps in maintaining good vision and also brain health due to its richness in VitaminB3 and B6.

    She suggested the intake of guava juice, adding that it helps in relaxation, aid sleep and also helps slow down ageing symptoms.

    However, Abdul also advised that guava should be consumed moderately, warning that excessive amounts may be harmful due to its high contents in fructose.