Most chronic and common diseases and disabilities afflicting the human population in both developing and developed countries have been linked to general malnutrition, deficiencies of specific nutrients or over nutrition.
A university don, Professor Olubunmi Bolanle Ajayi, who stated this said there is a need to return to the consumption of indigenous foods rich in nutrients that are beneficial to our health.
The professor of food and nutritional Biochemistry hinged the high rate of chronic health challenges among Nigerians to changes in dietary pattern from local and indigenous food to a more westernised lifestyle.
Ajayi who stated that such could precipitate deadly non-communicable diseases spoke while delivering the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti 82nd inaugural lecture titled: „Nutrition and Health: The Inseparable Siamese Twins For Life Sustenance.“
She recommended that some of our indigenous local foods and spices that are nutrient dense but are almost going into extinction should be cultivated by our farmers and consumed more because of their potential health promoting nature.
„Many indigenous foods have been neglected and almost at the point of extinction.
„In Nigeria, there seems to be a gradual shift from consumption of traditional foods consisting mainly roots, cereals, beans, tubers and vegetables to fatty fast foods, snacks and drinks which is evident by the increased number of eateries in our society and number of people suffering from health challenges like diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.
In his remarks, the vice chancellor of the state-owned university, Professor Edward Olanipekun said no one can enjoy good health without good nutrition.
He said, „Regardless of the economic situation we should not lose hope, let‘s take good food and not junk food. Our aged are enjoying longevity due to good nutrition (fruits and vegetables).“
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