- Nutritional Compromise: Families opt for basic meals due to economic hardship.
- Health Risks: Prioritizing survival over balanced nutrition increases chronic disease risk.
- WHO Warning: Unhealthy diets contribute to non-communicable disease epidemics.
- Expert Insight: Diverse nutrients essential for optimal health.
- Alarming Statistics: 1 in 4 children globally lives in severe food poverty, with Nigeria among worst-affected.
Nigerian families are struggling to maintain a balanced diet due to economic hardship, opting for basic meals like garri, water, and eba. This nutritional compromise increases the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. According to the World Health Organization, unhealthy diets contribute to epidemics of non-communicable diseases. Registered Dietitian Abimbola Olu-Sholanke emphasizes the importance of diverse nutrients for optimal health. The National Bureau of Statistics and UNICEF report alarming trends, including 1 in 4 children globally living in severe food poverty, with Nigeria among the worst-affected countries. To mitigate these risks, experts recommend consuming whole foods, plant-based protein sources, and limiting processed foods.
