Dr Mashudat Adams, a Consultant Nutritionist with Isolo General Hospital, Lagos, has advised Nigerians to consume more of low fat foods to get healthy nutrients and build body cells.
Adams, who gave the advice in Lagos on Thursday, said that low fat foods also reduce 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 explained that mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fats were good fats that could 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 nutritionist said.
Adams said fat was an essential macronutrient, adding that too much of saturated fat and trans-fat were detrimental to the health as they increase bad cholesterol in the body.
“Trans-fat should be totally avoided as it possess dangers of raising cholesterol level in the body.
“Trans-fats 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-fats are found in margarines for cookies, cakes and pies, among others; which should be avoided,” she said.
The nutritionist listed four strategies to reducing the intake of fat in diets to include substitution, reduction, elimination and construction.
“First, 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 quantities.
“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,’’ she said.
She, therefore, advised Nigerians to eat healthy and take smart decisions while shopping for their groceries.
She recommended the consumption of lot of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and some seafood as healthy lifestyle changes and dietary that could assist in the prevention of excessive fats in the body.
