JOURNAL OF HUMAN KINETICS & HEALTH EDUCATION PEDAGOGY

NUTRITIONAL PRACTICES FOR HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION AMONG MEMBERS OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNITIES

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the impact of unhealthy eating habits on human health is becoming a subject of public health concern. Every year, chronic diseases contribute immensely to the prevalence of death and disability worldwide. It therefore becomes crucial to understand the role of nutrition and healthy eating practices in preventing diseases and maintaining good health. This review was therefore aimed at exploring the importance of nutritional practices in promoting health and preventing diseases among members of university communities whose nature of work exerts a lot of pressure on the brain, mind and body.  A comprehensive review of literature was carried out to identify healthy eating practices that contribute positively to health promotion and disease prevention so as to provide valuable insights and recommendations for members of the university community to adopt healthier eating habits. Some of the nutritional strategies identified in the literature for health promotion and diseases prevention include but are not limited to: regular breakfast intake, adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables, adequate intake of water, use of healthy oils and regular physical activity. It is therefore recommended that nutrition education should be intensified among members of university communities to facilitate voluntary adoption of these healthy practices for disease prevention and health promotion.