In ancient history and ever in our present era, malnutrition has posed to be a problem that has developed deeper into the African world; Nigeria inclusive. The major cause of m malnutrition in Africa includes poverty, rising cost of living, globalization which kas led to over defendence on staples such as grains (maize), tubers (cassava which when processed can make Garri) at the expense of nutrient-rich foods including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, eggs and diary.
Malnutrition in all its forms Includes undernutrition, inadequate vitamins or minerals, overweight, obesity and resulting diet-related non-communicable diseases. In world’s record, 1.9 billion adults are overweight or obese whle 462 million are under weight. Also, 45% ot dea ths among children unter 5 years of age are linked to undernutrition. Nigeria alone, records not less than 100,000 cases especially among children per year.
The developmental, economic, social and medical impacts of the global burden of malnutrition are serious and lasting; for individuals and their famies, for communities and for countries.
Many families can’t access enough nutritious foods like fresh fruit and vegetables legumes, meat and milk; while foods and drinks high in fat, suger and salt are cheaper and more readily available leading to a rise in the number of children and adults who are overweight and obese, in poor as well as rich countries.
What are these protein bars??
Protein bars are nutrition bars that contain a high proportion of protein to carbohydrotes and fats. Generally, Protein bars weigh 100 grams and 414 calories. These bars can be a convenient way to carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals to one’s diet. Also, they may curb appetite, tuel a workout or support muscle repair after exercise.
In most patients with malnutrition, the intake of protein, carbohydrates, water, minerals need to be gradually increased. These are all constituents of the protein bar and as such they can be used as a good solution.
In the area ot weightloss protein bars are highly use as well. Not only are they good for weight loss, but they are also areat for maintaining healthy lifestyle. Even after one has reached his/her weight loss goals, protein bars can help you maintain your strength, muscle and body composition.
The source of protein varies. Some bars feature yoghurt powder, milk or dairy proteins like casein and whey, while others prefer to extract the protein from plant based sources like soy, pea or brown rice.
These nutritious are easily accessible as they can be produced at home. Honey, oats, milk, banana, etc which are all the ingredients for protein bars are accessible too. However, even though these ingredients seem affordable and accessible, not all families, people especially the low income earners can afford it. Therefore, we have created standard substitutes for the protein bars and they includes:
✓ An apple or orange and a handful of almonds.
✓ Half an avocado and little lemon juice.
✓ A hard boiled egg and some whole grain chips.
✓ A banana and a handful of peanuts.
In oveas where protein bars cannot be accessible, these substitutes can be used as they contain almost the same nutritional value.
Looking away from the health wise importance of protein bars, it would be very vital to note that they can serve as a source of income. One can decide to prepare these bars and sell them. Also, people can decide to venture into the farming of the ingredients used to produce protein bars. This will prompt further business transactions and in turn help to boost the economy of the nation.
Protein bars can really go a long way in reducing the number of malnourished people (undernourished and overnourished especially in Africa. Financially stable people can also help in this fight against malnutrition by preparing and distributing it to household or even making the ingredients available. This will help create awareness about the effects of protein bars on their health and households can begin making them.
It will be important to note that before a purchase of a protein bar is been made, one should check if it contains the required classes of food in their right proportion.
