A registered dietician nutritionist, Nonyerem Nnebe, says dietician services are under-utilised in Nigeria.

Ms Nnebe, a clinical dietician with Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, said this in an interview on Thursday in Awka.

She called on the public to explore the “immeasurable services” of registered dietician nutritionists to beef up their healthy living.

According to her, registered dieticians owe the public the responsibility of guiding them on the best nutrition to maintain a healthy lifestyle at all times, irrespective of age.

Ms Nnebe also urged people to always eat fruits, exercise daily, observe rest, and ensure that water intake is in good shape.

She added that people should also eat watermelon fruits, which have rich benefits in human development and healthy living.

Ms Nnebe described watermelons as one of the fruits loaded with antioxidants.

“Watermelons are loaded with lycopene, which curbs the risk of cancers, including prostate cancer. For a healthier heart, watermelons are rich in amino acids and potassium, which lower blood pressure,” Ms Nnebe said.

The dietician further stated that combining healthy lifestyles, such as exercising, avoiding smoking, limiting saturated fats and eating watermelons, was beneficial to the heart.

Mr Nnebe said watermelon also had some anti-inflammatory properties, which could help relieve joint pains and arthritis.

He stated, “Watermelon is rich in Vitamin A and, so keeping the eye and skin healthy is certain with the fruit. Watermelon helps in keeping one hydrated, as it contains 92 per cent water, while it also helps bowel movement and prevents constipation because it has a combination of water and fibre.

“It has a low glycemic index and, therefore, should be eaten in moderation by people who are on blood sugar management. Watermelon is very important for weight loss; it gives a feeling of fullness as a result of its fibre content and the water has a very pleasant taste.”

Ms Nnebe added, “Watermelon can be eaten as a whole after being properly washed and cut into desirable slices. It can also be blended into juice.”

She also mentioned that every part of the watermelon had healthy benefits, including the back and seeds containing magnesium, zinc, folate and iron.

She disclosed that the back of the watermelon contained a higher concentration of antioxidants, vitamins B and C, and potassium.

“When next you want to discard any part of fresh watermelon, think twice because every part of it has its own health benefit,” she said. 

(NAN)