A former President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Wasiu Afolabi, has advised Nigerians to adopt cheaper, yet highly nutritious alternatives to animal protein amid economic challenges.
Afolabi noted that many households now struggle to afford conventional protein sources like beef, chicken, or fish. However, he pointed out that there are accessible and affordable substitutes that can help prevent malnutrition.
He said Nigerians have a long history of consuming certain insects that are rich in protein, although such practices are fading with younger generations, Punch reports.
He told the publication: “Now, as for cooking, there are alternatives. These include beans, soybeans—which can be processed—and also some unconventional protein sources, such as edible insects.
“There are several insects we used to consume that are rich in protein. There are also toads, which are edible proteins, though I don’t know if they are still easily available because some of them have become expensive. People can also eat snails and other small protein sources.”
He said, “Things are expensive, but you can make it less expensive for yourself by choosing the best or cheaper alternatives. It is a question of nutritional education to understand what those alternative foods are that can give you what you really want.
“There are groups of foods that have the same nutrients, including energy, minerals, and proteins. There are always different and cheaper alternatives. With adequate information on nutrients, Nigerians can prepare cheaper meals and still eat healthily.
“If you do not eat meat, chicken, or fish on a particular day but you eat beans, groundnuts, or bambara nuts (okpa), you still have taken protein for that day; it’s just that one type of protein is animal-based while the other is plant-based. Though one is a superior protein, it does not mean the body won’t survive without it.”
