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Nigeria commemorates world protein day

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By Okunloye Abiodun

The USSEC "right to protein" initiative of Nigeria sees the celebration.

Celebrating world Protein Day, Nigeria has joined the annual event that is devoted to increasing awareness of the significance of protein in human diets. This year’s celebration of protein day had the theme “Easy access to protein for all,” with the goal of bringing attention to the simplicity with which Nigerians can obtain foods that are rich in protein and emphasizing the necessity for everyone to increase their knowledge of the different types of protein foods that are available and how they can be integrated into their nutrition.

During the launch of the ‘right to protein’ initiative that was championed by the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC), the official announcement was made on February 22, 2023, that the first inaugural celebration of Protein Day would be held in Nigeria on February 27. “Right to protein” is a public health awareness effort taking place in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa regions. This initiative also revealed the launch of the “protein-o-meter,” which is Nigeria’s very first protein calculator of any kind.

“Protein-o-meter” will help calculate the needed nutrient.

Right to protein’s organizers asserts that Nigerians can gain access to the “protein-o-meter” tool by checking the “right to protein” website. People can use the “Protein-o-meter” to figure out how much protein they need to consume daily depending on factors including their body composition, lifestyle, and the foods they eat at certain times. The protein-o-meter may be used to determine the amount of protein in common Nigerian foods including akara, akamu, moin-moin, fanke, tuwo, egusi, semo, banga, ojojo, nunu, and many more.

Furthermore, this tool aims to raise awareness about the need to fill the protein gap in people’s diets by encouraging them to eat at least one-fourth of protein at each meal. Even though protein is the most important macronutrient for health, many health problems can be caused by insufficient protein. The general populace must learn about the importance of protein foods, the benefits they provide, and the long-term effects of adopting these diet and lifestyle changes. Protein Day and other awareness-raising activities and resources, like the “protein-o-meter,” will aid in this endeavour.

Crucial for everyone, especially kids, pregnant mothers and the elderly.

The human body relies on protein for many functions, including the growth, servicing, and maintenance of its tissues. It’s crucial for everyone, especially kids, pregnant mothers, the elderly, and athletes. The majority of Nigerians, according to recent research, do not get enough protein from their diets, largely because of the high prices of meat, fish, eggs, and other protein-rich foods. Protein deficiency is common in the country, especially among poor people. Poor growth impeded immune systems, and subpar cognitive development are just some of the many negative health outcomes that can result from this.

According to Dr. Michael David, Country Representative of USSEC, this year’s commemoration of “Protein Day” aims to increase Nigerians’ access to high-quality protein sources while raising awareness of the importance of eating enough protein. He also noted that the right to protein initiative would keep working even after protein day has passed to unite people and organizations that can further promote protein awareness, eliminate rumors and misunderstandings about protein food sources, and develop its importance as a crucial macro-nutrient for the dietary health of individuals.

Nigerians should be aware of the importance of proper nutrition.

Moreover, the celebration of protein day in Nigeria serves as a timely reminder of the important part that proper nutrition plays in the maintenance of their general health. Nigerians are strongly urged to make the most of this opportunity, alongside the initiative known as “the right to protein,” in order to gain a better understanding of the significance of including protein in their diets and the types of eating behaviours that contribute to a healthy diet.


Related Link

RTP: Website

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