Eat like your ancestors, consultant tells youth

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - A health consultant has advised youths in Brunei to practise their ancestors' eating habits.

Nazli Anwari, a Singaporean healthy living consultant, said it is high time Bruneians take charge of their eating habits by learning from their ancestors.

"Back in 1978, I remember people were still living quite healthily back then compared to now," she said, adding that there were previously not many fast food restaurants and processed food available.

"Today, people eat far more chicken than people back in the 1950s did," she said, noting that the chicken meat sold in the market these days are injected with hormones.

The healthy living consultant is in the sultanate to conduct a series of talks on the medicinal uses of plants and herbs at the Bio-Innovation Corridor.

She went on to say that while it is fine to give in to the temptation of having ice cream or fast food once in a while, it must not be made into a habit.

She said it is all about finding the perfect balance of knowing what is good and bad for the body, as too much fatty food will result in obesity and diabetes.

During her talk yesterday on 'How to include salads, herbs and spices in a family's daily diet', Nazli said it is important to integrate herbs and aromatic ingredients into everyday meals to avoid boredom.

"Healthy doesn't have to be boring," said the health enthusiast, adding that health food can be delicious.

She observed an increase in people leading a healthier lifestyle as more people, especially youths, are seen to visit stalls at the vegetables and plants festival launched at the Bio-Innovation Corridor on Thursday.

According to a vendor at the festival, there has been a good public response despite it being only the second day since its launch.

"From the response that we received the past two days, people have been coming in to look for goods like vegetables and fruits. They love the open air concept of the festival," said Nora Abdullah.

She added that some buyers would come to her stall just to buy unique plants for medicinal purposes, noting that one of her bestsellers belalai gajah, a plant that is believed to help cancer patients have been selling like hotcakes.

Another vendor, who wishes to be known as Hjh Aisah, said the festival will be able to showcase some of the herbs and plants that the younger generation may not be familiar with.

"Parents can bring their young ones to see the plants and herbs, make it an educational experience for them to learn the benefits and local names of the plants," she said, adding that many Bruneian youths do not know the local names of the plants that grow at their backyards.