MICHAEL N
Residents have been urged to embrace balanced diets as a key step toward preventing diseases, improving body health, and reducing cases of stunted growth among children.
The call was made by Uganda Institute of Allied Health and Management Sciences nutritionist Patience Nabaasa during an interview with our reporter on the importance of proper nutrition and the use of locally available foods to promote healthy living.
Nabaasa explained that energy-giving foods are essential in fueling daily body activities and maintaining proper body functions. She noted that such foods are rich in carbohydrates and healthy fats, which provide long-lasting energy and help avoid sudden sugar crashes when combined with proteins and fiber.
She identified foods such as posho, potatoes, rice, and cassava as important sources of energy in the body.
She further encouraged people to include protein-rich foods in their meals, saying proteins are important for building muscles, repairing body tissues, and maintaining overall health.
According to Nabaasa, proteins can be obtained from both animal and plant sources. She highlighted foods such as beef, chicken, fish, beans, cowpeas, and other legumes as important sources of protein.
Nabaasa also advised people suffering from kidney-related illnesses to maintain routine consumption of fish, chicken, lean red meat, eggs, and low-fat dairy products to support their health.
The nutritionist also emphasized the importance of vitamins and minerals, especially from fruits and vegetables, noting that they help keep bones, muscles, the heart, and the brain functioning properly while also helping the body fight diseases.
She mentioned that vitamins such as Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B-complex vitamins can be obtained from fruits including grapes, mangoes, guavas, pawpaw, and avocados.
Nabaasa appealed to parents and the public to make balanced diets part of their daily routine, saying proper feeding strengthens the body against diseases and promotes healthy skin and body growth.
She particularly urged parents to ensure proper feeding of babies and young children to prevent stunted growth and deficiencies caused by lack of essential nutrients.
