Frieslandcampina hosts health practitioners on 2018 world milk day
Nigeria’s leading dairy nutrition company, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC., makers of Peak milk, Peak 456 and Three crowns milk hosted Health Care Practitioners to advocate and reemphasise the health benefits of milk and draw attention to the importance of preparing wholesome meals.
The event which held in Lagos on June 1st in commemoration of the 2018 World Milk Day.It had in attendance about two hundred healthcare practitioners including GPs, Nutritionists, Geriatrics, Cardiologists, Dieticians and Nurses.
‘‘Milk is a major source of calcium, a mineral that promotes strong bones, as well as helps fight weight loss. Unfortunately, numerous slimmers evade milk and dairy items since they believe they are fattening. The present view of milk as harmful in increasing cardiovascular risk should be challenged and efforts should be made to restore it to its legitimate place in a healthy diet,” said Ben Langat, managing director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, in his welcome address.
Langat stated that the occasion provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight the immense bundle of essential supplements contained in milk.
“To deal with getting the best out of the nutrients that milk offers without being in danger of any sickness is to drink milk every day and incorporate milk in your meals as much as possible,” he said.
According to Brai Bartholomew, President of Nutrition Society of Nigeria (South) speaking on the importance of milk drinking said “Milk is a complete food that supplies essential nutrients to the human body – carbohydrates, proteins, fats and micronutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, folic acid, vitamins D, A & B12.
He further added that several benefits are associated with milk consumption noting that Strong bones and teeth, growth and tissue repair, red blood cell formation and health, strong immunity.
“Milk contributes to the prevention of micronutrient deficiencies in the vulnerable groups and diversity of diets of the poor. This shows the goodness of milk!
“Nigerians, young and old, should therefore include milk in their diets to benefit from its goodness,” added Bartholomew.
However, delivering keynote address, R.A Sanusi an associate Professor of Human Nutrition at the University of Ibadan pointed out that the food we eat is related to either promote health and prevent disease or is a cause of many of the chronic non communicable diseases.
According to him, Milk is good food which when added to our daily diets improves the quality and diversity of our diet. Whatever it is we eat, it is very possible to include Milk.
In addition to the world milk day celebration, FrieslandCampina WAMCO organised a PeCaDoMo (an acronym for Peak Can Do More) competition where participants were engaged in preparing various recipes using Peak milk.
FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC has been a necessary part of most Nigerian homes since 1954 through its flagship brand, Peak Milk. The company was incorporated in April 1973 as West Africa Milk Company Nigeria (WAMCO) and commenced operations in 1975.
It is also deeply committed to improving the lives and welfare of its consumers and communities across the country. Over the years, the company has proven itself an excellent corporate citizen by supporting schools, charities and communities across Nigeria through its Corporate Citizenship programme, launched in 2004.
ANTHONIA OBOKOH