Medical expert outlines health benefits of eating fruits, vegetables

The Chairman, University of Ibadan Board of Health, Prof. Adesina Oladokun, has harped on the importance of eating fruits and vegetables, stressing that it is highly efficient for curing illnesses and maintaining good health.

He made this known at the official opening of the Food and Veggies Palace established by the University Health Services, also known as Jaja Clinic.

Prof. Oladokun noted that what many illnesses required was just a change in dietary habits for a patient to recover fully.

The expert maintained that people who ate right are oftentimes not susceptible to illnesses.

He said the University Health Services had concluded plans to conduct extensive medical and food counselling for all staff of the University, and revealed that the programme would be taken to faculties and units very soon.

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, said the project would be most beneficial to members of the university community in particular and the public in general.

He commended the efforts of the director and staff of the University Health Services for the initiative and assured them of the university management support.

In her remark, Director of the UHS, Dr. Aderonke Ajav, said the establishment of the Fruits and Veggies Palace was to meant to make it easy for members of the university community to access fruits and vegetables especially, organic products.

She said the initiative was in line with specific components of Primary Health Care, which has to do with educating clients on the need for certain products, their availability, accessibility and affordability of such products; the need for proper food and nutrition; as well as prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.

Dr. Ajav enjoined Nigerians to make it a goal to include fruits in every meal and let it serve as snacks, as fruits have reasonably good purpose which they serve.

The director said the shop would sell its hygienically produced fruits and vegetables at fair, pocket-friendly prices.

She urged those at the event to be committed to home gardening and every activity that supports increased use of fruits and vegetables as part of their diet.

Ajav further said that specifications on hours of opening, days of counselling, special products for each day, online booking, delivery services and all other information about the shop would be circulated within the university.

(NAN)