DIET, NUTRITION AND PREVENTION OF CHRONIC DISEASES: COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION OPTION

Abstract

The paper is on the importance of diet and nutrition in the prevention of chronic diseases. Malnutrition is usually accompanied by growing rates of lifestyle related diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, a healthful and nutritious food must incorporate the six components of good food for enhancing good health and reduction of chronic diseases. The paper explained the reasons why some people are under-nourished, offers six descriptions of a dietary and nutritious food based on the World Health Organization’s report and also examined the role of community health educators in ensuring that the people in communities maintain a high standard of dietary and nutritious lifestyle. The paper has also documented many of the ongoing diet and lifestyle interventions in low and middle-income countries and successes in reduction of major chronic diseases. However, it is expected that similar benefits will take place in Nigeria if the importance of diet and nutrition are acknowledged by the most people using available channels of communication.