Nigerians Tasked On Making Milk Important Part Of Diet
Chioma Umeha
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Experts have advised Nigerians
irrespective of gender and age to ensure that milk is an important part of
their diet, saying that it provides essential nutrients to the human body.
The call came weekend, during an interactive
session organised by FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, one of the leading
dairy nutrition company, makers of Peak milk, Peak 456 and Three crowns milk
organised health care practitioners.
The experts advocated and reemphasised the health
benefits of milk and the need to prepare wholesome meals at the event which was
held to commemorate the 2018 World Milk Day.
Studies show that Phosphorus is needed in the
proper ratio to calcium to form bone. Milk provides these two minerals in
approximately the same ratio as found in bone. Milk is also a significant
source of riboflavin (vitamin B2) which helps promote healthy skin and eyes, as
well as vitamins A and D.
Speaking on the importance of milk drinking, Brai
Bartholomew, President of Nutrition Society of Nigeria (South) said that strong
bones and teeth, growth and tissue repair, red blood cell formation and health,
strong immunity are associated with milk consumption.
Bartholomew said, “Milk is a complete food that
supplies essential nutrients to the human body – carbohydrates, proteins, fats
and micronutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, folic acid, vitamins
D, A & B12.
“Milk contributes to the prevention of
micronutrient deficiencies in the vulnerable groups and diversity of diets of
the poor. This shows the goodness of milk.”
“Nigerians, young and old, should therefore
include milk in their diets to benefit from its goodness,” added the nutrition
expert.
However, delivering keynote address, Dr. Rasak
Sanusi Associate Professor of Human Nutrition, University of Ibadan, pointed
out that the food we eat is related to either promote one’s health or prevent
diseases or is even a cause of many of the chronic non-communicable diseases.
According to him, “Milk is good food which when
added to our daily diets improves the quality and diversity of our diet.
Whatever it is we eat, it is very possible to include milk.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Ben Langat,
Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, said, “Milk is a major
source of calcium, a mineral that promotes strong bones, as well as helps fight
weight loss. Unfortunately, numerous slimmer evade milk and dairy items since
they believe they are fattening.
“The present view of milk as harmful in increasing
cardiovascular risk should be challenged and efforts should be made to restore
it to its legitimate place in a healthy diet.”
Langat who was represented by Mrs Ore Famurewa,
Corporate Affairs Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, stated that the occasion
provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight the huge essential supplements
contained in milk.
“To deal with getting the best out of the
nutrients that milk offers without being in danger of any sickness is to drink
milk every day and incorporate milk in your meals as much as possible,” he
said.
The event had in attendance about 200 healthcare
practitioners including, general practitioners (GP) nutritionists, geriatrics,
cardiologists, dieticians and nurses.
The World Milk Day was established 18 years ago by
the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations to highlight
globally, the essential nutrients in milk.
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