Yuletide: Expert emphasizes on consumption of healthy, hygienic meals

On Dec 20, 2023

A Clinical Nutritionist, Mrs Ifeloluwa Akinyinka, on Tuesday cautioned Nigerians on the need to eat healthy and hygienic meals during the Christmas season.

Akinyinka told the Newsmen in Lagos that the season, which is a time to merry and dine with family and friends, could increase the chances of gaining excess cholesterol.

She said that individuals should have guidelines that would help them to feast properly all through the season. According to her, healthy eating entails being aware of the food content you consume.

She explained that healthy eating also entails eating in moderation with the five components of nutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, fats/oils, vitamins and minerals and water, in their right quantitative and qualitative proportions.

“We are in the festive season and it’s always a time to merry and enjoy with our family and friends, which comes with a lot to eat. We should be aware of the sugar content; how much cholesterol the food contains; how much saturated fat it contains; how much of salt is in the food; likewise fibre. All these food items are quantified for health. I advise that the sugar content must not be in excess, salt intake must be limited and the fibre intake in food should be very high. Do not indulge in taking bottled and tin foods, instead take natural food and avoid the excessive intake of alcohol. Similarly, people should try as much as possible to limit the intake of fried food and sugary drinks which will be in abundance due to the season. Opting for fruit drinks and grilled meat or fish will help to curb excess cholesterol which can be harmful to the body,” she said.

Also, a Consultant Endocrinologist, Dr Bolanle Okunowo, said that excessive consumption of food and alcohol predisposes an individual to non-communicable diseases like high cholesterol, diabetes, heart problems, arthritis and hypertension.

Okunowo, also a consultant physician with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), said that anything done in excess was injurious to the body and might affect its functional capacity, and if not checked could lead to acute physiological imbalance.

She said, “Constipation, stooling, even vomiting can happen as a result of excessive consumption of food. Excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks can lead to unpleasant health conditions or aggravate an existing health condition. Diabetic patients or people with elevated blood pressure should be wary of alcoholic beverages at this season.”

Similarly, a Cardiologist, Dr Ramon Moronkola, said that it was important to avoid unnecessary stress and engage in physical activities during the festive season.

Moronkola, who works with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), explained that eating food goes beyond providing sustenance, saying that healthy food has curative properties.

“People should know that eating good food can guarantee a healthy and better future for them. Our health action today determines our future; we have a lot of non-communicable diseases coming up such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and hyper cholesterol. All these diseases are food-related; which means they are either from improper diet or inappropriate portions of foods. Although, other factors can cause these diseases, such as genetic and lifestyles, but, we should know that diet plays a major role in some of the diseases,” he said.

NAN/Wumi