Nutrition: Dietician recommends low fat foods
Nutrition: Dietician recommends low fat foods
NAN-H-40
Nutrients
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, Jan. 31, 2018 (NAN) Mrs Sarah Abagai, Head of Department Dietetics, National Hospital, Abuja, has advised Nigerians to consume more of low fat foods as they provide healthy nutrients and build body cells.
Abagai, who gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, said that low fat foods also reduces the risk of heart related diseases.
According to her, the human body needs the right type of fat for optimal functioning and moderation, adding that unsaturated fats are also known as low fat foods.
She said mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fats are good fats that can be found in most nuts, avocado pear, olive oil, fish, coconut oil and palm kernel.
“While some fats are considered good, some others should be avoided at all cost.
“Unsaturated fat in our food helps to normalise body weight, blood glucose levels, control of blood lipid level while reducing the risk of heart diseases and stroke,’’ the dietician said.
Abagai said fat was an essential macronutrient, adding that too much of saturated fat and trans fat was detrimental to the health as it increases bad cholesterol in the body.
“Trans fat should be totally avoided as it possess dangers of raising cholesterol level in the body; trans-fat are found in a wide range of packaged and processed foods.
“Saturated fats are found in meat and dairy foods from animal products, while Trans-fat are found in margarines for cookies, cakes and pies, among others, which should be avoided,’’ she said.
Abagai listed four strategies in reducing the intake of fat in diets such as substitution, reduction, elimination and construction.
“Firstly, substitution method involves the use of skimmed milk instead of full cream milk, almond milk and any non-diary creamer as better substitute for milk.
“Reduction method means fats, oil and grease in stews, soups, sauces, savories and animal products should be reduced and consumed in small quantity.
“The elimination method means eliminating high fat foods which include red meat, fried foods, pastries and heavy salad dressings, among others.
“While the construction method involves the need for everyone to cook their food containing more of fresh fruits and vegetables.’’
Abagai further advised Nigerians to eat healthy and take smart decisions while shopping their groceries. (NAN)
TIM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola