Expert urges daily intake of fruits to reduce chronic diseases.

DR Ovo Ogbinaka, a medical officer at Central Hospital, Ughelli, says people who eat more fruits and vegetables daily are likely to have a lower risk of some chronic diseases.

Ogbinaka said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin City on Friday.

He described fruits as “sources of many essential nutrients that are under-consumed like potassium, dietary fibre, vitamin C, and folate (folic acid).”

“Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure.

“Fruits provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body.

“Most fruits are naturally low in fat, sodium and calories. None has cholesterol, ”Ogbinaka said.

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The physician said dietary fibre from fruits, as part of an overall healthy diet, helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels and might lower risk of heart disease.

He said fruit sources potassium include bananas, prunes and prune juice, dried peaches and apricots, cantaloupe, honeydew melon and orange juice.

Ogbinaka advised women of childbearing age, who may become pregnant, to consume adequate folate from foods and in addition, 400 micrograms of synthetic folic acid from fortified foods or supplements.

He said fruits reduces the risk of neural tube defects, spinal bifida, and anencephaly during fetal development.