Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Miss Nonyerem Nnebe, Clinical Dietitian at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka, has said that the services of dietitians were under-utilised.
Nnebe, who is also a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist (RDN), said this while speaking to Journalists in Awka, Anambra State.
She called out to the public to explore the immeasurable services of registered dietitians/nutritionists closest to them for better healthy living.
According to her, the RDN owes the public the services to guide them on best nutrition so as to maintain a healthy living at all times despite their age brackets.
She urged the public to eat friuts, take daily exercise, good rest and good intake of water to ensure they keep in shape always.
Nnebe advised the public to eat Watermelon friuts alot as it has very rich benefits to the human body development and healthy living.
She said that watermelon was one of those fruits, loaded with antioxidants.
Nnebe said that the bright red color fruit, watermelons are loaded up with lycopene which curbs the risk of cancers including prostate cancer.
“For a healthier heart, watermelons are rich in amino acid and potassium which lowers blood pressure,” she said.
She said that combining healthy lifestyle like exercising, non-smoking, limited saturated fats with eating watermelons are very beneficial to the heart.
She said: “Watermelons also have some anti-inflammatory properties, so it can be helpful in relieving joint pains and arthritis.
“Watermelon is rich in Vitamin A and so keeping the eye and skin healthy is certain with watermelon.
“Watermelon helps in keeping one hydrated as it contains 92% water, equally helps bowel movement and prevents constipation as it has a combination of water and fiber.
“It has a low glycemic index and so can be eaten in moderation by people who are on blood sugar management,” she said.
Nnebe said that watermelon is very important for weight-loss as it gives a feeling of fullness as a result of its fiber content and the water yet has a very pleasant taste.
She noted that Watermelon can be eaten as a whole after being properly washed and cut into desirable slices. It can also be blended into smoothies or juiced.
Nnebe said every part of watermelon has healthy benefits including the back and the seeds, the seeds contains magnesium, zinc, folate and iron.
She disclosed that the back of watermelon contains higher concentration of antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins as well as potassium.
“When next you want to discard any part of fresh watermelon, think twice because every part of watermelon has its own health benefit,” she advised.
