…Demonstrates key points with “See, Test & Confirm” method
By Bright OKEREKE
A Professor of Food Chemistry and Nutrition at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Prof. Uloma Eucharia Onyeka, has proffered reliefs and Preventional measures for most chronic diseases with the use of appropriate dietary and lifestyle therapy.
The renowned and distinguished scholar, Prof. Onyeka, gave these health re-awakening tonics, while delivering the sixth (6th) Public lecture, in the series, at the Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU), Senate Building, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, with the topic; DIET AND LIFESTYLE VERSUS CHRONIC DISEASES.
Professor Uloma Onyeka, who averred that seventy percent (70%) of chronic diseases are preventable and reversible through changes in diet and lifestyle; maintained that FOOD SPEAKS; and its language should be understood by the body for healthier living. Maintaining that “Our plate of food communicates to the body through nutrients”. She therefore advised that people should be mindful of the content of their plates. Explaining that a balanced diet should be rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains and can as such, reduce significantly the risk of chronic diseases.
The Food Scientist and Nutrition expert, therefore warned against the consumption of junk foods, chemically modified foods and voracious eating, insisting that “Chemically modified foods gives rise to Chemically modified persons” which negates healthy living.
As a dedicated and practicing Christian, she regularly invoked relevant Bible portions to support and offer credence to her healthy diet and lifestyle potency claims.
The Professor further advised on the use of steal pots against the aluminium brands for cooking foods and as well the disusing of cracked old pots and plates, because they pose health risks. She differentiated between Tea and Beverage consumption, explaining that Tea is devoid of milk, sugar and therefore advised the intake of raw tea before meal for those who wish to have it.
She also asserted that inordinate and improper dietary is linked to chronic diseases such as inflammations, stress, yeast (Fungi) growth, among others.
Speaking on feeding time and proper digestion; she used a unique coinage “Undrunking Drunkingness” to explain her concept, stating that digested Carbohydrate gives energy to body while fermented carbohydrate which is caused by yeast, gives Ethanol (Alcohol), to the body.
Hence, uninformed persons could be high with alcohol without the consumption of industrially brewed alcohol, but as a result of unhealthy dietary lifestyle.
Though this threat cuts across board, on all classes of food, she warned on how, when and what should be consumed.
The highlight of the innovatively intriguing and insightful lecture which spiked excitement and enthusiasm among participants was the practical demonstration exercise that had the participants observe, test and evaluate her processed natural foods, economically packaged and designed to combate the development and progress of chronic diseases in the body.
Professor Uloma Onyeka, who is an active member of numerous professional organizations, is also deeply committed to community health promotions, including being the founder and CEO, FOODfair Initiative.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor I.N.S Dozie, had earlier in his opening remarks, described the guest lecturer, as a super-fit for the choice topic, explaining that the University decided on the day’s topic, as a follow-up to the immediate past public lecture; the fifth (5th), in the series, in a bid to offer more information and awareness towards improving a healthier living and longevity to its people.
As the University’s tradition, Professor Uloma Eucharia Onyeka, was decorated with the prestigious “KOMU Scholar Award”, presented by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Ikechukwu N. S. Dozie. And, as normal, the event ended with a recessional line out.
Bright C. Okereke is the SA to VC on Media
