Protein deficiency: Why you should harness health benefits of soya beans – Nutritionist

A leading nutritionist, Professor Ibiyemi Olayiwola, has enjoined Nigerians to consume soya beans saying it has many benefits in addressing protein deficiency and malnutrition and for overall health. Olayiwola, who is also a Professor of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), said the benefits of soya beans are often underestimated in […]

A leading nutritionist, Professor Ibiyemi Olayiwola, has enjoined Nigerians to consume soya beans saying it has many benefits in addressing protein deficiency and malnutrition and for overall health.

Olayiwola, who is also a Professor of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), said the benefits of soya beans are often underestimated in the country.

She said there was a need for adequate consumption of soya beans at different stages of life.

“Soya beans is not only a remarkable source of protein, but also a rich source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. Adequate proteins are a necessity for infants, children and adolescents as these life stages require high-quality protein, such as from soybeans, to have rapid growths in height and weight.

“Proteins are made up of amino acids which are indispensable elements in the diet, essential for growth, repairs, and replacement of worn-out cells and tissues.

“Soya beans are a complete protein source, which possess the ability to prevent non-communicable diseases such as protein deficiency, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension, which are growing health burdens in Nigeria. Soya beans have low glycemic index and low trans-fat oil, which are highly beneficial to the human circulatory system,” she said.

She said consuming an affordable high-quality protein like soybeans, in any of its forms, helps in mitigating protein deficiency.

She quoted the recent Nigerian Protein Deficiency Survey that showed that 51 per cent of Nigerians do not have adequate protein-rich foods, due to high costs.

Prof Olayiwola suggested that there should be strategic nutrition advocacy to boost protein consumption, through the integration of soya beans into fast-moving consumer goods lines such as snacks, seasonings, complementary foods and beverages.

The promotion of soy-based foods as prophylactic and therapeutic diet is necessary for Nigeria, she also said.

The nutrition expert urged government to focus on the implementation of the National Food and Nutrition Policy and revitalise other related programmes to improve the nutritional status of the vulnerable in the country.

Meanwhile, experts have called for nutritional education and improved food security in the country.

They made the call during a Protein Challenge webinar with the theme ‘The UN Decade of Action on Nutrition: Connecting the Dots for Nigeria’.

Foyinsola Oyebola, a social development expert said Nigeria was facing a nutrition crisis on multiple fronts, with rising levels of food insecurity.

She said current security challenges threatened food security and that the COVID-19 pandemic might have changed the direction for Nigeria.

Oyebola added that there was low level of awareness of the SDGs in relation to zero hunger and poverty, and weak monitoring and Evaluation framework.

Oyebola said the best way to connect the dots include effective coordination and collaboration amongst all stakeholders in the nutrition space to educate Nigerians on local sources of protein, and bridging the gap between policy statements and implementation at all levels and mainstream SDG 2 into state and local government programmes, among others

Collins Akanno, a community nutritionist and founder of Diet 234, said adequate sensitisation was key to attaining the SDG nutrition goals. He said it wasn’t enough to just be able to afford food, as not all foods were nutritious.

Remmy Nweke, national coordinator, Media Centre Against Malnutrition (MeCAM) called for review of school feeding programme, encouraging nutrition-related dieting at all levels and reduction of  malnutrition in all its forms, while nutrition efforts must continue beyond 2025.