NegOr Nutrition Council says eat veggies to prevent lifestyle diseases

By Jennifer C. Tilos

Friday 13th of July 2012

DUMAGUETE CITY, June 13 (PIA) -- The Negros Oriental Nutrition Council urged every family in the province to eat more vegetables not only to prevent lifestyle diseases but to curb malnutrition among children.

In a Kapihan forum to mark the Nutrition Month celebration, assistant provincial health officer Dr. Edgardo Barredo said lifestyle-related diseases are the top leading cause of death which could have been prevented if one keeps eating vegetables including quitting smoking.

Dr. Edgardo Barredo pointed out the importance of vegetables as main sources of minerals and vitamins and defense against noncommunicable diseases such as heart failure, cardio vascular, diabetes, cancer, among others.

The health official cited that vegetable consumption in Central Visayas (CV) is only 102 grams per person per day which is also the highest malnutrition rate in CV.

In the same forum, Silliman University, Nutrition and Dietetics (ND) department dean Michelle Naranjo said the ideal daily intake of vegetables and fruits is at least five servings or cups a day.

Naranjo said since the province has an abundant supply of vegetables, she encouraged everyone to consume home grown vegetables such as malunggay, saluyot, kangkong, kamote tops, and ampalaya as sources of micronutrients and vitamins the body needs.

Sharing their learning, nutrition students hold yearly community cooking vegetables demonstration in Dumagute City as Naranjo underscored the importance of vegetables in one’s daily diet.

Naranjo cited some reasons of poor intake of vegetables like preference for fast foods and instant foods, lack of knowledge on nutritional and health benefits of vegetables, difficult in preparing veggie meals, among others.

However, provincial agriculture officials said by planting and eating vegetables not only support local farmers but also promote healthy diet and long life. (mbcn/JCT-PIA7, Negros Oriental)