Parents and Nigerians at large have been implored to do away from foods that may damage their hearts.
This came as the country joined the world to marks World Heart Day 2020 with the theme: “Use Heart to Fight Cardiovascular Disease”.
World Heart Day is celebrated each year on the 29th of September to raise awareness on heart disease and their risk factors as well as mobilise international action against cardiovascular disease.
At a Conference to mark the celebration in Lagos, the President of the Nigeria Heart Foundation, NHF, Mallam Ismaila Shuaibu said it has become necessary for Nigerians to watch the kind of foods they consume as Cardiovascular Disease, CVD has become a leading cause of death globally and Nigeria inclusive.
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He also pointed out that people with the Covid-19 virus and heart disease are among those with the highest risk of death and of developing severe conditions.
He also stressed that findings have shown that after COVID-19 attacks, the heart might be severely affected even in people without previous heart conditions potentially resulting in long-term damage.
Also Speaking at the conference,
Mrs Dolapo Coker, a Nutritionist and food scientist, addressing the journalists said “Today, in the markets, you see women selling these oil in bottles under the sun. The moment it rains, three-quarters of the bottle is blocked and you can imagine the impact it will have when it goes into someone’s system. The government needs to do something about the manufacturers of these products. We need a lot of help from the government and the media to let the masses realize that it is not good for their health,”
Dr Kingsley Akinroye, a Cardiologist and Executive Director of the Nigeria Heart Foundation, NHF, said Nigerians should begin to be passionate about protecting their hearts and ensure that only heart-friendly oils are consumed.
He added that “The Low-density lipoprotein which is the cholesterol makes up most of the body’s cholesterol and high levels of LDL cholesterol raises the risk for heart disease and stroke while High-density lipoprotein which is the good cholesterol absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver. The liver then flushes it from the body. High levels of HDL cholesterol can lower one’s risk for heart disease and stroke.”