Rethink What You Eat, It Affects Your Life – FUTA Professor

The link between food choices and overall health outcomes took center stage on Tuesday as Professor Oluwatoyin Aletor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), emphasized the critical role of food chemistry in public health and food security.

Delivering the institution’s 182nd inaugural lecture titled “Food Chemical Constituents and Their Value-Addition: Prospects for Enhanced Food Security and Livelihood”, Prof. Aletor stressed that healthy living hinges largely on the nutritional content of what people eat, noting that food is more than just sustenance—it is central to disease prevention and wellness.

“The quality of what we consume directly impacts our wellbeing,” she said, warning that both macro and micronutrients play essential roles in bodily functions. “Research has shown that the balance of nutrients—like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals—affects everything from immunity to chronic disease management,” she explained.

The seasoned scholar, a professor of food chemistry and analysis, pointed out a growing awareness among Nigerians about the connection between diet and health, fueling an increasing demand for natural and functional foods. According to her, these are foods enriched with health-boosting components such as bioactive compounds, vitamins, minerals, and natural colorants—often referred to as functional foods.

“These foods go beyond basic nutrition; they offer physiological benefits and help lower the risk of chronic illnesses,” she noted.

Aletor further discussed the intricate nature of food’s chemical makeup, underscoring how changes during storage or processing can affect both its nutritional value and safety. She advocated for a stronger grasp of food biochemistry, saying it’s essential for ensuring the nutritional quality of what ends up on the consumer’s plate.

Speaking on affordable food sources, she drew attention to green leaves as a viable, nutrient-rich option. “They’re abundant and capable of synthesizing vital compounds like amino acids from basic materials like water and sunlight,” she said, highlighting their untapped potential in improving food security.

On value addition, the professor explained that chemicals play indispensable roles in food processing and preservation. From additives and supplements to enzymes and botanical extracts, these components enhance the safety, appearance, and nutritional quality of food products.

She encouraged more exploration of underutilized crops, especially in areas with challenging agroecological conditions. “These lesser-known crops are often nutrient-dense and could help tackle food scarcity among low-income populations,” she argued.

To bolster food safety, she urged collaboration among experts in toxicology, food chemistry, nutrition, and risk assessment. According to her, partnerships with the food industry would ensure that science-based standards drive food production and safety regulations.

Professor Aletor didn’t mince words when speaking about the state of malnutrition in developing countries, including Nigeria. She attributed it to high food prices and shortages, which often result in undernutrition, particularly among children and pregnant women. “Nutritional deficiency remains a pressing public health issue, and tackling it begins with understanding food composition and availability,” she said.

She called on the government to intensify efforts in safeguarding public health by ensuring the availability of safe and affordable food, suggesting investment in food safety monitoring, research, and industry regulation.

FUTA’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, who chaired the event, hailed Aletor for her insightful presentation. Describing her as a scholar with profound knowledge, Oladiji said the lecture sheds light on how Nigeria can harness food science to meet both its nutritional and developmental needs.