Akara can kill you, Boli can send you to early grave!! Medical expert reveals shocking details about Nigerians favourite roadside meals- Details can save your life

Abuja – A medical practitioner, Dr Idi Martins on Thursday warned the public on the health hazards of consuming road side foods like beans cake, popularly called “akara’’, roasted plantain and others sold by the roadside.

Martins gave this warning in Abuja, saying that foods and other snacks sold by the roadside are unhygienic, unhealthy and pose a threat to the health status of the consumers.

“ These foods are usually sold by the roadside and are exposed to a lot of pollution, dust and smokes emanating from vehicular and pedestrian movement. “ Even though some of these hawkers use polythene bag to cover the food, it still poses a threats to the consumers, which causes food poisoning, infections and other serious diseases,’’ he said.

The medical practitioner also complained of the neatness of the hawkers, utensils and the cooking process, which he described as harmful and detrimental to the health status of the consumer.

“Some of these hawkers or vendors that sell by the roadside foods often wear dirty aprons, uncovered hair, some of them even use unclean hands and utensils to serve customers, without necessarily washing them.’’

He therefore advised the public to desist from consuming and patronising road side snacks and foods because it exposes them to diseases such as diarrhea, vomiting and other health hazards. Some Abuja residents spoken to said they patronize road side snacks and food vendors that because their foods are usually cheap and easily accessible.

Mr Jonathan Musa said that due to the nature of his job, he had no choice but to patronize them. I just have to patronise these food vendors that hawk around any construction site because one does not have time to look for a restaurant for food when he is hungry, they are usually accessible and cheap.’’
Similarly, Clement Chigozie, a civil servant said despite repeated warnings on the health hazards of road side snacks, he still prefers it to the food sold at restaurants and eateries.

“ I am aware of the health implication of patronising road side food vendors, but that won’t stop me from patronising their foods because they prepare it especially the sauce in a local way different from the way restaurant and other eateries do.’’
He, however said he was very conscious of who and where he buys such foods to prevent contracting any food poison or diseases.

Still Talking about foods, Check  out Seven (7) bad Nigerian foods for your health:

The average Nigerian lifestyle has changed dramatically in the last few decades. Whereas before we worked hard physically on the farm, these days we sit around in cars , offices and in front of the TV or computer. The food we eat however hasn’t changed to suit our new lifestyle. Below are some foods Nigerians consume in excess but may not be so great for your health.

1. Salt and Pepper – Yes they were a cool 90’s group but when it comes to your health you want to ‘push it’ away. Salt increases your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease while pepper can increase stomach ulcer and cancer risk.

2. Soft drinks – Hot day, what do you reach for? A soft drink? How about reaching for water instead. All that sugar is unnecessary. You’re getting useless carbs from the starchy foods you’re eating anyway. Water hydrates you, helps with weight loss and reduces your risk of diseases such as kidney stones. It’s also cheaper than soft drinks, at least ‘pure water’ is.

3. White bread – This is another carb load. Eat it sparingly and consider substituting it for brown or wheat bread.

4. Stew – Look at all that oil! The tastier the stew, the more unhealthy it likely is for you. In addition to potentially contributing to cholesterol problems, it can also promote stomach ulcers and heart burn. Avoid it to have a good night’s sleep free of heartburn.

5. Fried plantain – It’s sweet i know but you know what is sweeter? Life! Instead equally enjoy it boiled or roasted plantain to avoid raising your cholesterol levels and your risk of dying from a heart attack.

6. White rice – The new staple. For many it’s had for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Similar to the eba, it’s basically carbs that promote weight gain without much nutritional benefit.

7. Eba/ Pounded yam/ Fufu – This is basically just instant carbohydrates (carbs) and calories with no real nutrition. Eat plenty of this and see your waste line rise, your risk of diabetes increase and you life expectancy decrease!

Remember the following general rules for a healthy diet.

Variety is goodThe more color the betterModeration in allFish instead of meat where possibleLimit portion size – ‘no be farm you dey go work’Include fiber daily to not have a child birthing experience every time you go to the toilet.

Please share widely and tell us in the comments section what you substitute akara and Boli with… Thanks