Like every semester, the Basic Human Nutrition (NTR 201) students of the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences put together a Nutrition Fair, on May 16, 2017 in the Conference Room. The purpose of the fair is to create awareness about pertinent health issues.
In her welcome note, Dr. Lara Youssef welcomed the attendees and stressed on the importance of the nutrition topics presented by the students, under the supervision of Miss Rita Helou, ranging from Cinnamon, the spicy elixir, to the health benefits of the Matcha green tea, uses and benefits of Apple Cider vinegar, various uses of the Moringa “the never die tree”, and Brazil Nuts “the top selenium food”.
Dr. Youssef highlighted the toxicity of coumarin, known to cause liver and kidney damage found in high concentrations and a significant component of Cinnamon, and listed the maximum recommended tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 0.1 mg of coumarin per kg of body weight.
She went on explaining that Matcha and regular green tea both come from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is native to China but Matcha is even higher in some substances than green tea. This includes caffeine and antioxidants because the whole leaf powder is ingested, instead of just water infused through the tea leaves.
Dr. Lara recommended not to exceed intake of Apple Cider vinegar as there remains insufficient evidence from modern high-quality clinical research to support its use as of 2017; she warned about the Moringa usage in pregnancy as it might cause a miscarriage and in breastfeeding despite that Moringa is sometimes used to increase breast milk production. As for the Brazil nuts, it have been found to consist of high amounts of aflatoxins, which are carcinogenic, hence European Union has placed strict restrictions on its import.
The topic posters prepared, by the students, were evaluated based on the overall look, content, uniqueness, as well associal vote.
The event became even more tasteful as the students offered alongside the nutritional information, healthy foods and beverages in a friendly atmosphere.