A public health nutritionist has urged Nigerians to reduce their intake of salt, sugar and fatty foods, saying healthier dietary choices could help address the rising burden of hypertension.
Associate Prof. Florence Uchendu of the National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja, identified excessive sodium intake, frequent consumption of processed foods, unhealthy fats, obesity and sedentary lifestyles among factors associated with high blood pressure.
She advised Nigerians to read food labels carefully, moderate their use of salt and cooking oil, reduce heavily fried foods and include more vegetables, fruits, fish and lean meats in their diets.
For people managing hypertension or other diet-related chronic conditions, Uchendu encouraged seeking professional dietary counselling from qualified dietitians. Her message: make informed food choices and pay attention to what goes into everyday meals.
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