Health

Cardiologist sheds light on making healthier choices in cooking oil

Published

2 months ago

March 15, 2024

On a beautiful Saturday morning, I find myself strolling down the aisle of the grocery store in my neighbourhood and as I approach the section dedicated to cooking oils, I am greeted by an array of options before me. The shelves are lined with bottles of various shapes and sizes, each boasting its own enticing combination of benefits.

With each bottle vying for my attention, I begin to scrutinise the labels, seeking out the perfect mix of taste and health. I weigh the benefits of different oils in my mind, considering their composition of fats and nutritional value.

As a journalist with over 10 years of reporting health-related topics, curiosity took the better part of me, as the quest for heart-healthy cooking has never been more prevalent. I will approach the story to provide valuable information to consumers about making healthier choices in cooking oil, with insights from a cardiologist guiding the narrative.

I reached out again to Dr Monisola Adanijo, a renowned cardiologist, who emphasised the significance of checking labels when purchasing cooking oil. “Consumers should pay close attention to the composition of fats in cooking oils. This can have a significant impact on heart health,” advises Dr. Adanijo.

According to her, one crucial aspect consumers should consider is the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to saturated fatty acids. PUFAs, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are beneficial for heart health. Therefore, consumers should look for oils with higher levels of PUFAs.

She notes that consumers should be wary of the saturated fat content listed on cooking oil labels, as excessive consumption of saturated fats can increase cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.

“Choosing oils with lower levels of saturated fats is advisable,” warns Dr. Adanijo

As I approached the end of the aisle, my gaze fell upon the label of Golden Terra Soya Oil—a standout option for health-conscious consumers. With an impressive content of 5 times more polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) compared to many other cooking oils, Golden Terra Soya Oil presents itself as a favourable choice for those prioritizing heart health in their culinary pursuit

With the assurance of both expert opinion and market trends, I felt confident in my decision to prioritise health without compromising on taste. Golden Terra Soya Oil not only met my culinary needs but also aligned with my commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

Golden Terra Soya Oil also boasts of three times less saturated fatty acids compared to traditional cooking oils. This makes it an ideal option for individuals seeking to reduce their saturated fat intake and ensure their cardiovascular well-being.

Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Group, Probal Bhattacharya, in his remark, gave a resounding affirmation of Golden Terra Oil’s alignment with evolving consumer preferences.

“As the landscape of consumer behaviour continues to shift towards prioritizing health and wellness, our commitment to providing cooking oils that not only excel in taste but also prioritise heart health, reflects our dedication to meeting the needs of our consumers.

“We strive to exceed the expectations of our consumers by offering products that resonate with their values and aspirations. As we continue to innovate and adapt to emerging trends, we remain committed to quality, health, and consumer satisfaction with products like Golden Terra Soya Oil,” he said.

Health

Outbreak: Zamfara Govt. confirms 4 deaths, 177 cases

Published

1 week ago

May 10, 2024

NewsDirect

The Zamfara Commissioner for Health, Dr Aisha Anka has confirmed the outbreak of unknown illness in the state which recorded four deaths and 177 cases so far.

Anka confirmed this in a statement issued in Gusau on Friday by the Information Officer of the ministry, Malam Bello Ibrahim.

According to the commissioner, the disease is characterized by abdominal distension, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, enlarge liver, enlarge spleen, fever and general body weakness.

“The illness is found in Maradun, Shinkafi and Gusau local government areas in the state.

“Children are mostly affected and the cases are associated with water consumptions.

“So far, four deaths have been recorded, 177 cases were detected,” Anka said.

“The incident has been reported to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), partners and all other relevant stakeholders.

“The ministry of health is currently on the emergency response phase to identify the illnesses and causes.

“Various biological human and animal samples, soil samples, water samples, agricultural and foodstuff samples have been taken to Lagos and Abuja laboratories for analysis.

“The ministry will continue to update the general public and all relevant stakeholders and partners on any update about the outbreak,”she added. (

Health

Assembly passes Kano Pre-Marital Health Screening Bill

Published

3 weeks ago

April 29, 2024

NewsDirect

Kano State House of Assembly has passed a bill for a law to compel intending couples to undergo HIV, hepatitis and sickle cell anaemia screening before marriage.

The passage followed deliberations in the Committee of the Whole House during plenary session,
presided over by the Speaker, Ismail Falgore on Monday in Kano.

After deliberations, the lawmakers approved the 3rd reading of the bill, read by the Deputy Clerk, Alhaji Nasiru Magaji.

Shortly after passage of the bill, the Majority Leader of the house, Lawan Hussein (NNPP-Dala), stated that “any person
intending to marry shall first submit self for medical examinations.”

He said the bill was considered and passed after the 3rd reading, following various legislative processes.

The leader further said that the bill was passed because the state had been battling with different health issues, including
HIV because people go into marriages without medical screening.

He said that the bill, if signed into law, would save many lives and curb the spread of life-threatening diseases.

“The bill will safeguard the health of citizens by institutionalising pre-marital testing to check the spread of diseases
like hepatitis, HIV and sickle cell anaemia,” he added.

Health

WHO to begin vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus May 27 in Kogi

Published

3 weeks ago

April 24, 2024

NewsDirect

The World Health Organisation (WHO), says it plans to commence vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) on May 27 in Kogi.

The state’s Team Lead of WHO, Dr Muktar Toyosi, said this when he led his team on an advocacy visit to the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Wednesday in Lokoja.

Toyosi said that the vaccination was meant for girl child of between the age nine and 14.

He said the ongoing sensitisation was to keep the people informed, and educate them on the vaccination of their children to protect them against cervical cancer in future.

”Kogi falls within the second phase of the programme. We are soliciting for the cooperation of the media in educating the people of the state on the HPV vaccination.

“There need for girls child across the state to take the vaccination to safeguard their future.

“Although the vaccine was initially scarce and difficult to get, the good news now is that it has been made available by the government,” Toyosi said.

Also speaking, the State Technical Assistant for WHO, Dr Ahmed Attah, said that the HPV mostly affect women, adding that the vaccination remained a preventive measure against the disease.

Attah, a former state Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and a former Chief Medical Director (CMD), Kogi Specialist Hospital (KSSH) Lokoja, urged parents and guardians to avail their children of the vaccination to justify government’s investment.

In his response, the Kogi NUJ Chairman, Mr Seidu Ademu, described the health sector as very critical, stressing that the vaccination was a right step in the right direction.

Ademu promised a robust partnership with WHO to enable the team to achieve its set goals.
He stressed the need to inform, educate and sensitise the general public on the need to embrace the vaccine by ensuring that girls within the age range were vaccinated.