DHA clinic: Do not omit nutrients from diet

Any diet must include all nutrients and should not be missing any food group, advised Waffa Ayesh, Chairperson of the Conference and Director of Clinical Nutrition at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

The DHA held its weekly Twitter clinic from the Dubai Nutrition Conference this week, discussing the importance of nutrition for overall health and well-being.

“People need to understand that what we eat is central to our health. A healthy diet gives our body the nutrients it needs to perform physically, maintain wellness, and fight disease.”

“To ensure that if they are following any diet it must include all nutrients and should not be devoid of any food group.

“A well-balanced diet will promote overall health but if you skip carbohydrates or any other food group, it will negatively impact your health,” the nutritionist said.

Another important tip is to eat small healthy meals on a regular basis, she added.

When on a diet, there are many mistakes made in the choice of foods consumed. Rather than omitting certain food groups, people should focus on choosing the right foods, she explained.

“People should steer clear of diet fads which pop-up time and again and stick to eating a balanced diet and foods that are as close to their original form. For example, pick a fruit instead of opting for fruit juice.”

She added that people should opt for full-fat options instead of low-fat foods.

“So-called low-fat and fat-free diet foods are often packed with sugar, salt, and chemical-laden additives. It is better to opt for full-fat options and exercise portion control. In fact, latest studies highlight the importance of healthy fats such as avocado, walnuts, coconut oil, ghee etc. which should be consumed.”

She concluded that diseases associated with obesity include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, and certain cancers, including breast cancer in women, pointing out that what we eat is vital to our health and well-being.
 

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