Press Conference Promoting Local Foods

J&A Oben Foundation valorizes nutritional advantages of palm oil

In a move to promote healthy eating, the J&A Oben Foundation is valorizing the nutritional advantages of eating palm oil. It was in this light that the Foundation, on Thursday, May 11, organized a press conference at its headquarters in Yaounde.

The press conference, under the theme "You don’t have to be rich to eat a balanced diet: potential health benefits of palm oil", was aimed at clarifying for Cameroonians what a balanced diet is, how locally available foods can constitute a balanced diet, the importance of a balanced diet to health, and the benefits of a balanced diet for everyone.

It was also to sensitize Cameroonians on palm oil as a healthy and affordable nutrient source and the need to consume Cameroonian. Addressing the press, the Co-Founder and President of the J&A Oben Foundation, Prof. Julius Oben, stated that palm oil (readily available in 8 regions of Cameroon) can go a long way towards solving the problems of vitamin A deficiency in Cameroon.

"A tablespoon of red palm oil provides 200 RAE (retinol activity equivalents) of vitamin A, which is equivalent to 22% of our required daily intake, which is a significant amount," Prof. Oben said. He added that two tablespoons of palm oil per day would provide nearly 50% of our required vitamin A intake.

Prof. Oben admonished Cameroonians not to rely on others to solve malnutrition but encouraged them to take advantage of the rich bank of nutritious foods Cameroon is blessed with.