WellNewMe has conducted a Diet and Nutrition Survey which aimed to gather information about the dietary habits and nutritional status of the Nigerian population.
The survey was carried out in collaboration with Dennis Ashley Medical Clinic (http://www.dennisashley.com/) between January 2019 and March 2020. The fieldwork consisted of online data collection, and was conducted on a random sample of the population from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.
7,000 people contributed to the surveys which took place across the age range of 20 to 60 year old and was part of a larger programme examines the relationship between diet and non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and cancer.
The initial stages of the survey involved an online survey to collect general information on the individual, their general eating habits and health. Additional survey components were requested from participants, including a information regrading their past medical history, physical activity, sleep history, psycho-social questionnaire, blood pressure and anthropometric measurements.
ONLY 1% OF NIGERIANS ARE VEGETARIANS
When asked about the type of diet that they have, only 1% of the population asserted to being vegetarians, while more that half said they tend to have a more Western type diet which consists mostly of red meat and lots of red meat (beef, pork, sausages) and potatoes as opposed to a quarter who have a more traditional Nigerian diet (starchy foods, white rice, garri, yam, oily soups & stews). Both these diets tend to have an associated with an increased risk for developing non-communicable disease due to their high fat and carbohydrate content, and not enough fruits and vegetables.
Having a balanced diet is key in improving mood and mental wellbeing; maintaining a healthy body weight and lowering the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. While a vegetarian diet also provides some of the same benefits, it is very important for vegetarians to remember is to make sure they are getting key nutrients, including protein, fatty acids, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and vitamins D and B-12.
LATE SUPPERS
More than half of Nigerians survey say they have their last meal of the after 7 pm in the evenings more than 3 times in the week in the 30 days preceding the survey. Men were more likely than women to eat late, and people in their 40s were also the most likely than any age group to have a late meal.
What research has shown is that people who have late suppers tend to ingest more calories that people who eat earlier, and this could lead to poor weight control as the extra calories consumed by late eaters could lead to weight gain over time.
PROCESSED CARBOHYDRATES
Almost half of Nigerians consume processed carbohydrates such as polished rice, pounded yam, eba, fufu, semolina, semovita, amala and wheat on a daily basis, with men slightly more than women to, and people above the age of 50 far less likely than the rest of population, with only 36% to do so.
Not all carbohydrates are the same. Many whole foods that are high in carbohydrates are actually quite healthy and nutritious. On the other hand, processed, refined or simple carbs have had most of the nutrients and fiber removed.
Eating processed carbohydrates is linked to an increased risk of many diseases, including obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Most nutritionist agrees that consumption of processed carbohydrates should be moderated. However, they are still the main source of dietary carbs in many countries. We found that more than half of the adult population will consume more than a standard size portion of processed carbohydrates equivalent to the 650 ml takeaway pack per meal. Men were more likely to consume more processed carbs during a meal.
Ideally, no more than a takeaway sized portion worth of carbohydrates should be consumed per meal in order to moderate the risk associated with consuming such carbohydrates.
FAST FOOD
There has been a rapid increase in the number of fast food outlets in Nigeria driven by urbanization and higher disposable incomes. While most fast food consists of indigenous local meals, consumers are increasingly interested in Western foods such as pizza and chicken and chips offered by major chains. More than third of Nigerians admit to eating at fast food restaurants at least twice a week.
Having a diet high in fast food is linked to a higher risk of obesity, depression, digestive issues, heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and early death. Also, the frequency matters when it comes to the impact of fast food on one's health.
DIETARY FIBRE
Dietary fibre is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by our bodies' enzymes. It is found in edible plant foods such as wholemeal bread, fruits, vegetables, peas, nuts, beans and whole grains. Less than a third of Nigerians survey say that they consumed foods with high fibre content more than 3 times in a week. There was a disparity between the age groups as well younger people less likely (25% in people under the age of 30) than older people to consume high fibre foods (37% in people above the age of 50).
High fibre foods help maintain bowel health, lowers cholesterol levels, control blood sugar levels and aid in achieving a healthy weight.
FRIED FOODS
Frying food is a common cooking method used across the globe. It’s often used by restaurants and fast food chains as a quick and inexpensive way to prepare foods. Also many people at home enjoy the taste of fried delicacies such as fried plantain and yam. Just under half of Nigerians (48%) say their have eat fried foods at least twice a week, with older people less likely to eat fried foods on a more regular basis than younger people.
Many people like the taste of fried foods. Yet these foods tend to be high in calories and trans fat, so eating a lot of them can have negative effects on one's health.
FRUITS & VEGETABLES
Fruits and vegetables are important aspects of any stable diet but yet, it seems that many Nigerians are still not getting enough the recommended amounts with only 30% of the population eatin