The Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN, has disclosed that breast cancer among women can be prevented by the appropriate consumption of eggs.
This was revealed as Nigeria joined other countries of the world recently to mark the 2017 World Egg Day.
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The National President, PAN, Mr. Onallo Akpa, said in his welcome address at a world press conference as part of activities to mark the day with theme, ‘An Egg A Day for The Nigerian Child, Crack an Egg and Help Crack World Hunger’, he said that the association has made impact in growing the economy by contributing 25 per cent to the Agricultural Gross Domestic Product, AGDP, of the economy.
He mentioned that egg plays a vital role in feeding people around the world because it has excellent, affordable source of high protein with the potential to feed the world, as it contains selenium, Vitamin A and E, Folate, Riboflavin, Choline and Lutein.
Mr Akpa said: “There is so much to celebrate as eggs have the potential to feed the world with the greatest secret as ‘nature’s vitamins pills’. Scientific reports confirm that among protein foods, egg contains the richest mix of essential amino acids crucial for children, adolescents and young adults for proper growth.”
He added: “Egg prevents ageing of the skin and helps in increasing the red blood cell count in infants as well as in their brain development. Potential on egg production” Eggs may prevent breast cancer, as women who consume at least six eggs per week reduce their risk of breast cancer by 44 per cent according to scientific study.”
Mr Akpa advised that the government and the people should give priority to the development of the industry as there is enormous revenue generation potential on egg production which is capable of boosting the economy and wealth creation.
He said the Federal government’s Home Grown School Feeding Programme, can be taken advantage of.
Mr Akpa said: “The economy of the egg in Nigeria is enormous as an egg a day for 50 per cent of the Nigerian population will produce a daily economic value of N1.7 billion.
He added: “A deliberate policy of an egg a day will create great impact assessment of school enrichment, cognitive development and mental development.”
Dr. Sarah Abagai, a Nutritionist from Maitama District Hospital, also speaking at the conference said when eggs are included in the daily meal plan; it goes a long way in solving the malnutrition problems in Nigeria.
She revealed that over 11 million children are suffering stunted growth in Nigeria, due to lack of adequate nutrition. She also mentioned that one out of three children in Nigeria was malnourished and this can be traced to poor nutrition by pregnant women before delivery and lactation women.
Dr Abagai said: “Over 11 million Nigerian children are stunted in growth, while one out of every three children are malnourished, due to lack of adequate nutrition. We support the use of egg as bridge because it contains a lot of vitamins and minerals.”
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