Zainab Abdullahi, an Abuja-based nutritionist, has advised Nigerians to add fibre rich foods in their diets in order to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening illnesses.

Abdullahi told the NAN on Tuesday that consuming foods high in fibre helps combat diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes, among others, from deteriorating.

She explained that such foods also help to prevent constipation, control sugar level, prevent stroke as well as colon cancer.

Abdullahi described fibre as a part of plant-based foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and beans that passed through the body undigested thereby living the digestive system clean and healthy.

She noted that foods rich in fibre help ease bowel movements and as well aid in flushing bad cholesterol and harmful carcinogens out of the body.

The nutritionist differentiated types of fibre as soluble and insoluble fibre.

According to her, soluble fibre dissolves in water and helps control blood sugar level as well as reduces cholesterol, while the insoluble does not dissolve in water but helps prevent constipation as well as boost the immune system.

Abdullahi also said that eating foods high in fibre helps reduce the risk of inflammation of the intestine, haemorrhoids, gallstones, kidney stones and provides relief on individual with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

According to her, research has shown that diets high in fibre could help lower the risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disorder, ulcers and some cancers.

The expert described soluble fibre as an important element for a healthy heart and also helps improve the cholesterol level as well as lower bad cholesterol.

“Consumption of foods such as tomatoes, leafy green, carrots, flaxseed, beans, watermelon and pawpaw, among others, are high in fibre and helps fight certain diseases.

“A high fibre diet helps reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure, reduce inflammation and help shed excess weight especially around the abdomen.

“Eating high fibre diets can help prevent colorectal cancer, stomach, mouth as well as helps flush toxins out of the body.

“It also aid digestion and key in maintaining healthy weight,’’ she said.

Abdullahi, therefore, urged individuals to start adding high fibre into their diets as well as increase their water intake in order to avoid uneasiness.

She, however, recommended consumption of 21 to 38 grams of fibre per day for optimal health.

High blood pressure (HBP), or hypertension, is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it typically has no noticeable symptoms. But if left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

According to a study, over a billion adults have hypertension with prevalence among adults in low and middle-income countries.

While medication is a common treatment, dietary choices also play a significant role in lowering blood pressure.

Several studies have proven that adding certain foods to your daily meals can help reduce hypertension naturally.

Without further ado, here are foods to incorporate into your diet to help lower blood pressure.

• Oats

Oats are rich in beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that has been linked to lower blood pressure levels.

Beta-glucan works by reducing cholesterol levels, which in turn helps to lower blood pressure.

A study on hypertensive rats found that beta-glucan and avenanthramide C present in oats reduce the levels of malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress in the rats.

This suggests that the fiber in oats can help prevent high blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

So, adding a bowl of oatmeal to your diet is a healthy way of managing blood pressure. You can also add fruits, nuts, or seeds to enhance the taste and health benefits.

Potatoes

Potatoes are filled with several plant-based compounds, making them an excellent addition to a blood pressure-lowering diet.

Potatoes are rich in potassium, which helps counteract the effects of sodium in the body and aids in the regulation of blood pressure.

They also contain magnesium, another mineral that contributes to healthy blood pressure levels by promoting the relaxation of blood vessels.

A 2021 study involving 30 adults with HBP found that a diet with potatoes, particularly boiled and baked, helped reduce systolic blood pressure significantly.

When trying to add potatoes to your diet, avoid fried potatoes. Opt for boiled or baked potatoes to maximise their benefits.

Beets

Beets are rich in dietary nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide relaxes and dilates blood vessels, which improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure.

Studies have shown that drinking beet juice or adding beets to your meals can lead to a significant reduction in blood pressure, especially in those with hypertension.

To add beets to your diet, you can roast them, blend them into smoothies, or enjoy them in salads.

• Eggs

Eggs can be a valuable part of a blood pressure-lowering diet as they are filled with high-quality protein and nutrients.

The proteins in eggs have been shown to have antihypertensive effects by acting as natural inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is involved in blood pressure regulation.

A 2023 study also found that eating five eggs or more per week can help reduce systolic blood pressure levels.

• Leafy greens

Leafy greens like spinach and kale are rich in potassium. Potassium is a mineral that helps balance the sodium levels in your body.

Sodium is a major contributor to high blood pressure, and by increasing potassium intake, the body can better eliminate sodium through urine.

This process helps reduce tension in the blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure.

Including a variety of leafy greens in your diet, whether in salads, smoothies, or as side dishes, can be a natural way to manage hypertension.

• Berries

Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and cranberries are loaded with antioxidants including flavonoids and anthocyanins.

Anthocyanins have been said to increase nitric oxide levels in the blood and reduce the production of molecules that restrict blood flow.

This may help lower blood pressure levels.

A study on various types of berries, including whole, freeze-dried, or juice forms, also found that they can help reduce systolic blood pressure by over 3 mm Hg.

Incorporating berries into your diet is quite easy. Because they make for a great snack, topping for yogurt or oatmeal.

• Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds have been shown to have a beneficial effect on blood pressure.

These nuts and seeds include flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts and almonds.

They offer a concentrated source of nutrients important for blood pressure control, including fiber and arginine.

Arginine is an amino acid that produces nitric oxide, an essential compound for blood vessel relaxation and blood pressure reduction.

• Yogurt

Yogurt is a great source of calcium and potassium and also contains probiotics that support overall cardiovascular health.

A review found that consuming three servings of dairy per day can help lower blood pressure by 13%.

A 200-gram increase in one’s diet per day is linked to a 5% reduction in risk for high blood pressure.

However, be sure to choose plain, unsweetened varieties to avoid excess sugar. Making these dietary changes helps you take a proactive approach to your health.

Potentially reducing the need for medication and decreasing the risk of serious health complications.

However, always consult your healthcare professionals before making significant changes to your diet or treatment plan.

If you grew up in Nigeria or any other African country, you’re probably familiar with the mango fruit. In Nigeria, this fruit is commonly available during the rainy season. It’s another mango season and you’re bound to come across vendors, stores, and markets selling these fruits more often than not.

Mangoes come in different colours and sizes depending on their species. Mangoes vary from bright yellow, dark green, pink-green, red, and peach colours and can be found easily.

German [Opioro], Cotonou, Sheri, Kerosene, Julie, Peter are names to the commonly found mango types in Nigeria. These mango types are probably very familiar to you, right?

So why should you eat more mangoes even though you’ve practically grown knowing them your whole life? The answer is simple; mangoes contain a large number of nutritional benefits for proper skin, body, and hair development.

What are these benefits you may ask:

Mangoes Are Great For Clear Skin
Vitamins A and C are major components which promote healthy skin. Mangoes are packed with lots of Vitamins A and C and when eaten habitually, promotes healthy skin.

Mangoes are equally known to exfoliate and eliminate dead pores on the skin.

In addition to the mentioned benefits, mangoes also help improve signs of ageing as it contains antioxidants which rejuvenate the skin.

Potassium and Vitamin E [both contained in mangoes] work alongside each other to keep cells hydrated to moisturize the skin. As well as working to hydrate the skin, Antioxidants also work to improve skin tone.

Mangoes Are Great For Weight Loss
Mangoes are fat-free and therefore, a great choice of food for people on the journey of shedding weight.

While the ability of mangoes in aiding weight loss has been considered by some to be factual or a myth, there’s an important truth to note. While mangoes might indeed aid in weight loss, eating only mangoes may not necessarily be a good way to go about it. However, replacing unhealthy snacks with mangoes and other fruits is the best way to go about this.

Mangoes Improve Eyesight
If you’re keen on improving your sight, mangoes might provide additional benefits to you. Certain nutrients found in mangoes are beneficial for the proper functioning of the human eyes.

Remember that mangoes are rich in vitamin A and this vitamin is a great preserver of eyesight reducing the risks of eye defects such as; night blindness etc.

Remember to combine mangoes with other food items such as oysters, seafood, carrots, etc for the best results in improving your eyes.

Mangoes Aid in Digestion
Battling with digestion issues? Then mangoes might be the answer for you as this fruit is known to aid in digestion. According to ‘Healing Foods’ by DK Publishing, mangoes contain enzymes that aid the breakdown and digestion of protein.

Having read about these benefits, would you be eating more mangoes this season?